The African Heads of States and Governments pose during African Union (AU) Summit for the agreement to establish the African Continental Free Trade Area in Kigali, Rwanda, on March 21, 2018. The focus now is on how to bring on board all signatories and push for ratification by all. PHOTO | FILE | NATION MEDIA GROUP

With the July 1, 2020 launch of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) fast approaching, 90 percent of outstanding issues on the rules of origin and tariff guidelines have been resolved.

A meeting of director-generals of Customs, revenue authority officials and trade experts from member states, held last week in Kampala Uganda, focused on how to bring on board all signatories and push for ratification by all.

The AfCFTA agreement came into force in May 2019 after ratification from 27 countries. Of the 55 African countries, 54 have signed the agreement, with only Eritrea holding out.

A gathering of AU heads of state is scheduled to endorse the rollout plan for the AfCFTA agreement following their endorsement in January 2020.

While African customs officials say AU officials are working on persuading Eritrea to sign the agreement, chances of realising a breakthrough remain low.

Eritrean government officials could not be reached for comment by press time.

Source: The East African

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