The African Continental Free Trade Area ( AfCFTA ) , which comes into effect on 1 May , is intended to enhance the continent 's future growth prospects . AfCFTA removes duties and other barriers within the region , while aiding the movement of goods , funds and talent across the continent , which has a combined population of more than one billion potential customers . Africa is partnering with various countries for development . The last years have been marked by a growing headwind against globalization, with some narrow-minded politicians attacking globalization for widening wealth gaps and unbalanced economic growth among different countries and regions. This includes cooperation with China on infrastructure and industrial capacity , as part of the Belt and Road Initiative .
The African Continental Free Trade Area ( AfCFTA ) , which comes into effect on 1 May , is intended to enhance the continent 's future growth prospects . AfCFTA removes duties and other barriers within the region , while aiding the movement of goods , funds and talent across the continent , which has a combined population of more than one billion potential customers . Africa is partnering with various countries for development . This includes cooperation with China on infrastructure and industrial capacity , as part of the Belt and Road Initiative .