Businesses aiming to capitalize on the opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) have been advised that achieving success under the agreement will require deliberate and strategic efforts.
During a webinar organized by LIMA Partners on Friday, April 25, 2025, Yamani Selana, an international trade expert and Director of Indirect Tax and International Trade Practice at Andersen, South Africa, emphasized that accessing AfCFTA benefits is not automatic.
“It is not automatic to get the benefits that come with the AfCFTA agreement,” Selana stated. He explained that businesses must interact with authorities to register and prove that their products originate from the region. He encouraged companies to engage advisors familiar with customs and tax procedures to navigate these requirements effectively.
Selana also highlighted the importance of recognizing legal and regulatory differences across African countries, despite the creation of a single market. “As much as we are creating one market as a continent, we really have to be mindful of the autonomy of the different jurisdictions,” he noted, urging businesses to consult local experts.
He cautioned against relying solely on theoretical knowledge or online research when exploring new markets in Africa, stressing the continent’s cultural and economic diversity. “It is important to note that there are theoretical aspects that can be drafted, but we cannot approach everything with naivety. Africa is a huge continent with different cultures and orientations,” Selana added. He emphasized the necessity of collaborating with local advisors to navigate distinct economies effectively.
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