Understanding the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and how it relates to Zimbabwean Women in Trade

The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is an important instrument in the realization of Africa’s economic integration and economic development ambitions.The AfCFTA agreement establishes a single continental market for goods and services and seeks to increase intra-African trade by reducing and eventually eliminating custom duties and non-tariff barriers. It is a framework agreement comprising of protocols on Trade in Goods and Services, Investment, Intellectual Property Rights and Competition on Policy. The purpose of this booklet is to raise awareness on the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) among stakeholders in Zimbabwe, especially women traders. It is intended to facilitate information on opportunities and benefits provided by AfCFTA that women in trade can exploit and use, in pursuit of their business goals whether formally or informally.