Some African Countries Are Still Not Engaging with the Continental Free Trade Pact

Both Botswana and Zambia remain outside the AfCFTA. Signals from the Zambian government indicate that it will delay committing to African free trade while the new government works on the planned transition to a more diversified, value-added economy. Minister of commerce Chipoka Mulenga this month said the country has requested more time before committing to the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), citing a need to fully engage the private sector first. The accord as it stands favours countries that already have well-established value-adding activities. Zambia has signed and ratified the agreement, but will not implement it, while Botswana has not ratified it.