Methodology
AfCFTA market-access methodology
We do not use “AfCFTA eligible” as a blanket zone label. Market access is a chain of sourced conditions, and an unknown condition stays unknown.
1. Treaty status
A State Party has deposited its instrument and the Agreement is in force for it. Parliamentary approval without deposit is shown separately.
2. Domestic implementation
Customs must be legally able to apply an effective tariff schedule. Ratification alone does not make a preferential rate operational.
3. Directional tariff
The result depends on exporter, importer, HS code and year. We compare the sourced AfCFTA rate with a named comparison regime.
4. Product-specific origin
SEZ goods can qualify under Article 9 of Annex 2, but the product must meet its applicable origin rule and documentary requirements.
5. Evidence review
Operator claims remain private until reviewed. Public pathways state whether evidence is indicative, editor verified or authority verified.
Source and freshness rules
- Every public status, tariff and origin rule must link to a source.
- Effective dates and HS revisions are stored with the record.
- Implementation records older than 18 months are marked for refresh.
- Conflicting official records are disclosed rather than silently reconciled.
- Regional trade regimes are kept separate because they may offer a better rate.