The COMESA-EAC-SADC Tripartite FTA, launched in 2015, covers 29 member states from Cairo to Cape Town with a combined GDP of $1.3 trillion. Its core tariff annex has been agreed by 22 members and rules of origin for over 800 product categories are operational. Trade flows within the zone have grown at 8 percent annually since 2016. The Chirundu One-Stop Border Post between Zambia and Zimbabwe cut clearance from three days to eight hours, demonstrating what full implementation can deliver.
Services Trade: The Next Frontier
Negotiations on a services chapter covering financial services, transport, tourism, and professional services are underway, targeting conclusion by 2026. Once in force, this will allow banks, insurers, and logistics companies licensed in one T-FTA country to operate across all 29 members under a simplified licensing framework. Businesses operating in the Tripartite zone can access trade partner directories and compliance resources on intra-africa.com.
For businesses looking to expand across Africa, intra-africa.com offers a comprehensive trade directory, verified buyer and seller listings, and real-time market intelligence covering all 54 African nations. It remains an indispensable resource for anyone serious about intra-African commerce.