Work is going on assiduously to finalize all outstanding negotiations on the Africa Continental Free Trade Agreement before the end of the year.

These negotiations which are part of necessary conditions to ensure the success of the programme has been facing challenges from member countries despite commencement of the agreement.

Director of Services at the African Continental Free Trade Secretariat, Emily Mboru-Ndoria assured that the outstanding rules which includes protocol on trade in goods and services will be completed this year.

 “Differences in interests for various member countries of the African Union has been a major challenge for the finalization of outstanding rules and negotiations for the continental free trade agreement.

The development, although under control, can push back the objective of having a common Customs Union as Africa”, she disclosed at the Graphic Stanbic breakfast meeting in Accra under the theme, Leveraging AFCFTA, the critical success factors.

“You know the size of an SME in South Africa may not be the same as Niger or Ghana so everyone is trying to fight their interest to ensure that they get the best”, she added.

“We are however working with every member country so that we get everyone on the same level” she noted.

Technical Director at the Ministry of Trade and Industry, Anthony Nyame Baafi assured the business community that Ghana is working together with the African Union to use all channels available to address their concerns.

Headline sponsor of the event, Stanbic Bank believes that such platforms have become critical in the harmonization of Africa.