Build one Africa trade pack
from quote to clearance

The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is a continent-wide framework for goods, services and deeper economic integration. For goods, state parties committed to liberalise normal, sensitive and excluded product baskets over different timelines. A preferential duty claim still depends on the exact tariff schedule, product classification and rules-of-origin proof.

The ECOWAS CET is a unified tariff system applied to goods imported from outside the 15-member ECOWAS bloc. It has 5 bands: 0% (essential goods), 5% (raw materials), 10% (intermediate goods), 20% (consumer goods), and 35% (sensitive products like rice, poultry). Each country may add levies on top — Nigeria adds VAT, CISS and a surcharge, making the effective rate much higher.

It depends on your situation. For first-time suppliers, a Sight Letter of Credit (LC) provides maximum protection. For established relationships, Cash Against Documents (CAD) is cheaper. For small orders under $5,000, T/T Advance is simplest despite the risk. Use our Trade Finance Comparator to get a personalised recommendation based on your specific trade scenario.

SADC rules of origin determine whether a product can benefit from preferential treatment inside the SADC Free Trade Area. The test may be wholly obtained, substantial processing, value added, change in tariff heading or another product-specific rule. Use the checker to prepare the evidence trail, then confirm the product rule with the competent authority or customs broker.

PAPSS (Pan-African Payment & Settlement System) is a cross-border payment infrastructure for African payments in local currencies. It helps reduce reliance on hard-currency correspondent banking routes where the corridor and participating financial institutions are supported. Always check corridor availability, bank participation, FX spread, compliance requirements and settlement timing before quoting a buyer.