The AfCFTA Support Programme is multiplying initiatives for better integration of businesses in the pan-African free trade zone. Another step forward in implementing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) in Madagascar. The Programme supporting the implementation of this zone validated, last Friday, its own digital gateway designed for sharing information on the AfCFTA. This is a digitalization tool that facilitates the sharing of information on opportunities offered by the African Continental Free Trade Area.
Major Obstacles
A gateway established to end information gaps concerning AfCFTA implementation. Indeed, many Malagasy companies, particularly MSMEs, still struggle to fully integrate into intra-African trade. Operators face numerous constraints, including complex procedures, high costs of international transactions, lack of access to commercial information, and slow cross-border payments. Major obstacles that limit their competitiveness and hinder their expansion into new markets. This digital gateway also serves as a decision-support tool for both public authorities and businesses. The AfCFTA remains a relatively abstract concept for many SMEs. Many know of its existence but are unaware of what it can concretely offer them: how to export to other African countries, what are the rules of origin, which products benefit from tariff preferences, what customs procedures to follow, or which markets offer the best opportunities.
Centralizing Information
This digital gateway serves to address several needs. First, it will centralize information currently scattered among different ministries, support organizations, chambers of commerce, and technical partners. A single platform facilitates access to consistent and regularly updated information. Second, it reduces information asymmetry. Large companies often have specialized departments capable of monitoring changes in international regulations. SMEs, however, generally lack both human resources and financial means to conduct such monitoring. A free platform can help rebalance this access to information. The gateway can also improve competitiveness because, by knowing open markets, applicable customs duties, or regulatory requirements, companies are better positioned to prepare an export strategy.