In a landmark move that underscores Africa’s growing commitment to economic integration, Mozambique has officially launched its first shipment of goods under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement. The event, which took place at the Port of Beira, marks the country’s entry into a new era of intra-African commerce and regional cooperation.
The inaugural export shipment—destined for Kenya—was flagged off by Prime Minister Maria Benvinda Levi, in the presence of AfCFTA Secretary General, Wamkele Mene, alongside government officials, trade experts, and members of the private sector.
Prime Minister Levi described the development as a pivotal moment in Mozambique’s economic history, highlighting the trade bloc’s potential to accelerate industrial growth and attract private sector investment. She further urged domestic and foreign investors to align with the government’s Industrialise Mozambique agenda, which aims to expand manufacturing, infrastructure, and cross-border supply chains.
“The AfCFTA provides a platform for establishing strategic partnerships and boosting economic and business activities. This market not only fosters public-private dialogue but also enhances trade volumes within the continent,” Levi said.
According to data released by the government, Mozambique’s trade with African countries has reached $7.1 billion over the past five years. However, this figure represents only a fraction of its trade potential under the AfCFTA framework, which aims to eliminate 90% of tariffs among member states and significantly reduce non-tariff barriers.
Mozambique became a signatory to the AfCFTA in 2018 and submitted its tariff offer in 2024, meeting the requirements to commence trade under the agreement. This positions the southern African nation to capitalize on Africa’s $3.4 trillion market and integrate more fully into continent-wide value chains.
Speaking at the event, AfCFTA Secretary General Wamkele Mene described Mozambique’s participation as a “bold step toward continental prosperity.” He applauded the country’s commitment to economic inclusivity and urged other member states to expedite their domestic implementation of AfCFTA protocols.
“This launch is not just about trade—it’s about Africa taking ownership of its development and asserting its place in the global economy through unity, production, and innovation,” Mene remarked.
Kenya, the destination of the shipment, has been one of the early movers in implementing the AfCFTA, and its economic ties with southern African countries are expected to deepen as more states come on board.
Despite the celebratory tone, stakeholders emphasized the need for significant investments in infrastructure, logistics, and digital platforms to ensure that the full benefits of the AfCFTA are realized. Mozambique, in particular, faces infrastructural challenges ranging from road networks to port efficiency, which could hamper seamless trade flows.
Elias Zimba, President of the Confederation of Economic Associations of Mozambique (CTA), noted that intra-African trade still accounts for less than 20% of total African trade. “To fully unlock the AfCFTA’s benefits, countries must address policy inconsistencies, improve trade logistics, and reduce transaction costs across borders,” he said.
Analysts have also pointed out the critical role of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in driving AfCFTA-enabled growth. The trade bloc’s design supports inclusive participation, which will be crucial for countries like Mozambique, where SMEs contribute significantly to employment and GDP.
The Mozambican government has pledged to simplify customs procedures and improve regulatory frameworks to encourage SMEs to participate in cross-border trade.
Mozambique’s first AfCFTA export is more than a symbolic act—it signals a strategic pivot toward greater economic integration and regional solidarity. As more African countries activate trade under the agreement, the continent edges closer to becoming a unified economic force capable of advancing industrialization, reducing poverty, and reshaping global trade dynamics.