{
  "id": 9749224,
  "title": "AfCFTA implementation hurdles threaten gains for African businesses",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/25/afcfta-implementation-hurdles-threaten-gains-for-african-businesses",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-09-25T10:11:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Capital Business",
    "slug": "capital-business",
    "url": "https://capitalfm.africa/afcfta-implementation-hurdles-threaten-gains-for-african-businesses/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Nairobi, Kenya - The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) faces significant hurdles in implementation that could undermine the gains for African businesses, according to the AfCFTA Secretary-General, Wamkele Mene. Fragmented systems across African markets contribute to increased costs and complexity, despite the creation of a single continental market. Cross-border payments, customs processes, and infrastructure are key areas where improvements are needed. Currency conversion costs linked to intra-African trade are estimated at $5 billion annually, and the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) aims to address this issue by allowing businesses to make cross-border payments using local currencies. However, the benefits depend on wider adoption and alignment of national financial and regulatory systems. Mene also highlighted the importance of customs modernization and policy alignment. The AfCFTA Secretariat identifies these as crucial components for making the agreement work for businesses. George Asamani, PMI Managing Director for Sub-Saharan Africa, emphasized the need for professionals capable of coordinating projects involving governments, regulators, and private-sector players across different countries. Implementing the agreement requires aligning domestic reforms with continental integration and supporting businesses facing potential disruption. Infrastructure development, particularly transport, digital systems, and customs infrastructure, remains a significant constraint. The AfCFTA Digital Trade Protocol is part of efforts to create a framework for digital commerce and investment in emerging technologies and data centers.",
  "summary": "Mene said fragmented systems across African markets continue to increase the cost and complexity of doing business, despite the creation of a single continental market intended to expand opportunities for African companies.",
  "key_points": [
    "AfCFTA implementation faces fragmented systems, increased costs, and complexity",
    "Cross-border payments, customs processes, and infrastructure need improvement",
    "Currency conversion costs linked to intra-African trade estimated at $5 billion annually"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}