The sliver of land that follows the Gambia River into the Atlantic Ocean and cuts through the heart of Senegal was an unlikely setting for one of the most important steps in Africa’s free-trade revolution.

Gambia, the smallest country in mainland Africa with a population less than Greater Manchester, became the crucial 22nd country to ratify the African Continental Free Trade Agreement earlier this month, helping the deal reach the minimum threshold for the area to be implemented.

In a world where protectionism and tariffs are being used as economic weapons by the US, EU and China, Africa is making decisive steps to liberalise trade and open up its markets. The ambitious plan aims to double intra-Africa.

Source: The Telegraph

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