Madagascar's National Assembly ratified the AfCFTA agreement on Monday, joining most African nations in creating the world's largest free trade area.
With a market of over 1.2 billion people and a combined GDP estimated at $2.5 trillion, this represents a significant trade opportunity with substantial economic benefits for its members, according to the Malagasy government.
The AfCFTA provides for the elimination of customs duties for 90% of tariff lines over 5 years for the most developed countries and over 10 years for the least developed countries.