AfCFTA news: AfCFTA advances continental monitoring system to strengthen implementation accountability

The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat convened the second meeting of the ad hoc Committee on the AfCFTA Implementation Review Mechanism (AFIRM) in Kigali, Rwanda, advancing a continent-wide system designed to monitor and support State Parties’ implementation of the AfCFTA Agreement.

Over four days, delegates from across the continent finalised critical implementation review tools that would form the backbone of a systematic assessment process set to begin in 2026, marking a significant milestone in Africa’s journey toward deeper economic integration.

The Kigali meeting focused on finalising the Implementation Review Matrices (IRMs) for Digital Trade and Women and Youth in Trade, while reviewing updates to existing matrices on Trade in Goods and Trade in Services. These comprehensive tools will form the foundation of AFIRM, which will assess every State Party at least once every five years beginning in 2026.

The Implementation Review Matrices serve as structured frameworks for evaluating how effectively countries are implementing their AfCFTA commitments across different protocol areas. By establishing clear benchmarks and indicators, the matrices will enable systematic tracking of progress while identifying areas where State Parties may require additional support or technical assistance.

Technical discussions during the four-day engagement were focused on ensuring coherence, accuracy, and alignment with Regional Economic Community mechanisms.

The emphasis on alignment with Regional Economic Communities reflects recognition that effective continental monitoring must build on and complement existing regional structures rather than creating parallel systems. This approach ensures that AFIRM strengthens rather than duplicates accountability mechanisms already operating at regional levels.

The meeting brought together representatives from the AfCFTA Secretariat, Regional Economic Communities, technical partners, and invited experts, reflecting the collaborative approach essential to AFIRM’s success.

The diverse nature of the participants ensured that the review mechanism incorporated perspectives from policy implementers, technical specialists, and regional integration bodies that work directly with Member States.

The inclusive nature of the consultation process demonstrates the AfCFTA Secretariat’s commitment to developing a review mechanism that State Parties view as supportive rather than punitive.

A strong AFIRM process would be essential to deepening Africa’s integration and ensuring that State Parties are equipped to fully realise the opportunities of the AfCFTA. By establishing systematic monitoring and support mechanisms, AFIRM aims to transform the AfCFTA from a legal framework into a lived reality for businesses, entrepreneurs, and consumers across the continent.

The review mechanism serves multiple functions beyond simple compliance monitoring. It will identify implementation bottlenecks, facilitate knowledge sharing among State Parties, highlight best practices that can be replicated, and signal to technical partners where capacity-building support is most needed. This comprehensive approach positions AFIRM as a tool for continuous improvement rather than periodic assessment.

With implementation reviews set to begin in 2026, the Kigali meeting represented a critical juncture in AFIRM’s development. The completion of Implementation Review Matrices across key protocol areas will enable the AfCFTA Secretariat to move from design to deployment, establishing operational procedures for conducting reviews, supporting State Parties in data collection and reporting, and synthesising findings into actionable recommendations.

The five-year review cycle ensures regular engagement with State Parties while allowing sufficient time between assessments for meaningful progress. This timeframe balances the need for accountability with recognition that deep structural reforms in trade policy, customs systems, and regulatory frameworks require sustained effort over multiple years.

As the AfCFTA transitions from negotiation to implementation, mechanisms like AFIRM become increasingly critical. The Agreement’s ambitious objectives of creating a single continental market for goods and services, facilitating free movement of persons and investments, and accelerating Africa’s industrialisation can only be achieved through consistent, coordinated implementation across all 55 Member States.

AFIRM provides the institutional architecture for tracking this implementation, identifying challenges early, and mobilising support before small issues become major obstacles. By working collaboratively with Regional Economic Communities and technical partners, the mechanism aims to create a supportive ecosystem that enables all State Parties, regardless of capacity constraints, to successfully implement their AfCFTA commitments.

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