Africa is building one of the world's largest free trade areas, opening new possibilities for businesses across the continent. But for many entrepreneurs, getting a product from one African country to another remains a complicated journey.
Imagine a Ugandan entrepreneur who has built a successful business producing packaged food. Customers at home are buying, production is growing, and a distributor in Ghana has expressed interest in placing an order.
It should be an exciting opportunity. A new market, more customers and the possibility of expanding the business beyond Uganda.
But before the first shipment leaves, there are several questions to answer.
What documents are required? Does the product qualify for preferential tariffs? Which standards must it meet? How will payment be received? And what will it cost to transport the goods across borders?
For a small business without an experienced export team, answering these questions can be almost as demanding as producing the goods themselves.
This is an illustrative example, but the challenges are real.
Africa has spent years working towards a more integrated continental market. The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which began trading under its framework in January 2021, represents a major step towards making that ambition possible.
Yet turning a continental agreement into everyday business opportunities requires more than removing tariffs.
According to the United Nations Trade and Development's Economic Development in Africa Report 2024, released in February 2025, trade between African countries accounted for only 16% of Africa's total trade in 2022.
That figure highlights the considerable opportunity to strengthen trade relationships within the continent.
When the agreement meets the paperwork
In February 2026, the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa brought businesses, policymakers and trade institutions together in Nairobi to address a surprisingly basic challenge: many companies still struggle to find clear information on how to trade under the AfCFTA.
The Commission introduced practical, step-by-step trading guides in response to requests from businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises.
These guides address procedures such as obtaining trading licences, certificates of origin and documents demonstrating compliance with product standards.
It is a reminder that the success of continental trade agreements ultimately depends on whether businesses can use them.
For entrepreneurs, the practical challenges extend to transport networks, customs procedures, currency conversion and payment systems.
Technology is beginning to offer solutions.
Digital customs platforms can simplify documentation, logistics technologies can improve shipment tracking, and cross-border payment systems can make transactions more efficient.
However, these solutions work best when supported by reliable infrastructure, compatible regulations and cooperation between countries.
Turning market access into business growth
The opportunity extends beyond moving finished products across borders.
Stronger regional trade can support African manufacturing by helping businesses source materials, reach larger markets and participate in supply chains spanning several countries.
A manufacturer based in Benin, which borders Nigeria and hosts the Glo-Djigbé industrial zone, could potentially source components from one African market process them locally and sell finished products to customers elsewhere on the continent.
Achieving this at scale requires businesses, governments and technology providers to work together on the obstacles that make regional commerce costly or complicated.
It is a conversation that will feature at the 11th AfriLabs Annual Gathering, taking place from 18 to 20 November 2026 in Cotonou, Benin.
Through the Trade & Industry Track, the Gathering will examine how digital innovation can accelerate trade, industrialisation and cross-border commerce by connecting real industry challenges with practical technological solutions.
For manufacturers, entrepreneurs, policymakers and innovation ecosystem leaders, the discussion offers an opportunity to explore how Africa's growing digital capabilities can support a more connected continental economy.
Returning to our Ugandan entrepreneur, the real measure of progress will be how easily that first shipment can reach customers in Ghana, and whether the business can continue supplying them profitably.
Africa has established the framework for a continental market. The next task is making that market work for the businesses ready to use it.
Join the Trade & Industry Track at AAG 2026.
18–20 November 2026 | Cotonou, Benin
Register: https://bit.ly/AAG2026
