The African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) is one of the most significant trade agreements on the African continent. It aims to create a single continental market for goods and services, as well as free movement of business persons and investments. The AfCFTA was signed by 44 African countries in March 2018 and came into force on January 1, 2021. It has the potential to boost intra-African trade, increase economic growth, and create job opportunities across the continent.

As of August 2021, 54 African countries have signed the AfCFTA agreement, with 38 countries having ratified it. The following are the countries that have ratified the agreement:

1. Algeria

2. Angola

3. Benin

4. Burkina Faso

5. Burundi

6. Cabo Verde

7. Cameroon

8. Central African Republic

9. Chad

10. Comoros

11. Congo

12. Côte d`Ivoire

13. Djibouti

14. Egypt

15. Equatorial Guinea

16. Eswatini

17. Ethiopia

18. Gabon

19. Gambia

20. Ghana

21. Guinea

22. Guinea-Bissau

23. Kenya

24. Lesotho

25. Liberia

26. Libya

27. Madagascar

28. Malawi

29. Mali

30. Mauritania

31. Mauritius

32. Mozambique

33. Namibia

34. Niger

35. Nigeria

36. Rwanda

37. Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic

38. São Tomé and Príncipe

39. Senegal

40. Seychelles

41. Sierra Leone

42. Somalia

43. South Africa

44. South Sudan

45. Sudan

46. Tanzania

47. Togo

48. Tunisia

49. Uganda

50. Zambia

51. Zimbabwe

The AfCFTA is expected to eliminate tariffs on goods traded between African countries, providing a boost to intra-African trade. The agreement also seeks to address non-tariff barriers, such as bureaucratic hurdles and corruption, that have hindered trade on the continent. In addition to trade in goods, the AfCFTA also covers trade in services, investment, intellectual property rights, and competition policy.

By creating a single market, the AfCFTA is expected to increase competition, reduce prices of goods and services, and provide greater choice to consumers. It is also expected to attract more foreign investment into the continent, create jobs, and promote sustainable development.

In conclusion, the African Continental Free Trade Agreement is a game-changer for the continent`s economy. With 38 countries having ratified the agreement, the AfCFTA has the potential to create a single continental market, provide new trade opportunities, and help African countries move up the value chain. As the agreement continues to be implemented, it is expected to drive economic growth and development across the continent, creating a more prosperous future for all Africans.