The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) – a landmark initiative to create a single continental market by reducing tariffs and non-tariff barriers — is poised to significantly boost intra-African trade and unlock new economic opportunities across the continent.
Countries across Africa are already making meaningful progress by overhauling their customs frameworks to simplify procedures, reduce clearance times and enhance transparency. These reforms are not only improving trade efficiency—they’re laying the groundwork for long term economic growth.
Multinational professional services firm PwC made this known in its latest publication titled, ‘Africa Customs and Cross-border Trade Guide: Navigating Tariffs and Preferential Trade’.
PwC’s publication provides a strategic overview of the customs and cross-border trade environment in Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Namibia, Rwanda and Egypt.
The firm noted that amid global supply chain shifts, geo-political uncertainties and environmental pressures, countries across the continent are rethinking how goods move across borders.
Accordingly, the report said through active participation in regional economic communities (RECs) Nigeria and other African nations are harmonizing standards, reducing tariff and non-tariff barriers and building more connected trade corridors.
“These partnerships are reshaping the continent’s trade architecture—unlocking new routes to market and strengthening Africa’s position in global value chain.” Director, Tax and Legal Services, PwC Tanzania, Joseph Lyimo, said.
Read Also: World Champion Tobi Amusan Poised to Set the Pace at All Nigeria Athletics Trials
He stated that from legal frameworks and tariff structures to preferential trade programmes and Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) schemes, PwC’s guide breaks down the key developments shaping Africa’s cross-border trade future.
The report, authored by PwC Nigeria’s Partner and Lead | Tax and Regulatory Services, Chijioke Uwaegbute, and Associate Director | Tax, Tunde Adedigba explores the implementation of AfCFTA, said all 10 countries featured have signed and ratified the agreement, but implementation varies.
It stated, for instance, that to further support trade and investment, many African countries offer targeted customs, including bonded warehousing, manufacturing under bong and duty remission schemes designed to promote export-oriented manufacturing and attract foreign and domestic investment.
The PwC report added that AEOs also benefit from expedited processing, reduced clearance time and fewer inspections, noting that in some countries, two tiers of AEOs accreditation are available, offering additional advantages such as reduced security requirement and faster refunds.
“Collectively, the 10 countries profiled in this guide are making progress. THjrough modernized trade regulations, deeper regional integration and AfCFTA implementation, they enhance trade flows, attracting investment and driving sustainable economic growth,” PwC said.
It added that with continued focus on preferential trade agreements and customs facilitation, “these countries are well-positioned to strengthen Africa’s role in global trade and seize the opportunities ahead.”
For instance, Nigeria, according to the PwC guide, offers incentive schemes to promote industrialisation and export activities such as the Manufacture-in-Board Scheme (MIBS), designed to encourage manufacturers to import duty-free raw materials and intermediate products for the production of goods for export.
Under the Scheme, qualified beneficiaries are manufacturers who obtain bonds from recognized financial institutions. The bond is dischsrged upon evidence of exportation and repatriation of foreign proceeds.
The report said duty remissions are granted to manufacturers for importing raw materials, components and machinery used in production.
However, eligible manufacturers must provide evidence of local production capacity and commit to export a portion of their goods.
Applications for duty remission are submitted to the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and may require a bond from a recognized financial institution.
Duty remission aim to reduce production costs, enhance the competitiveness of Nigerian products and promote economic growth.
Also, the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA) oversees the establishment and operation of EPZs, with the zones offering various incentives, including income tax exemption, exemption on import duties, 100 per cent foreign ownership, no exchange control restrictions, etc.
Nigeria signed the AfCFTA in July 2019 and ratified the agreement in December 2020. She also established the National Action Committee on AfCFTA (now known as the Nigerian AfCFTA Coordination Office) in December 2019 to ensure her readiness and active participation in AfCFTA.
Nigeria’s first shipment under the AfCFTA GTI took place in July 2024, Nigerian products such as bags, smart cards, black soap, alcoholic bitters, shea butter and synthetic filaments have been exported to Egypt, Algeria, Uganda, Cameroon and Kenya.
