The AfCFTA's Phase 2 protocols on Investment, Competition Policy, and Intellectual Property Rights are at various stages of finalisation as of 2024. The Investment Protocol, finalised in 2023, establishes common investor protections and dispute settlement. The Competition Policy Protocol creates an African Competition Authority with jurisdiction over anticompetitive practices affecting intra-African trade. The Intellectual Property Protocol addresses patent recognition, trademark registration, and copyright enforcement across member states, creating a single registration system similar to the African Regional Intellectual Property Organisation.
What Businesses Should Prepare For
The Competition Protocol will prohibit cartel behaviour, abuse of dominant market position, and anti-competitive mergers affecting multiple AfCFTA member states, even where individual national competition authorities would not have jurisdiction. Large corporations with pan-African market positions should audit their practices against AfCFTA competition standards now. The IP Protocol will allow single filings for trademark and patent protection across all 55 AU members. IP professionals and corporate legal teams can access AfCFTA Phase 2 implementation updates on intra-africa.com.
For businesses looking to expand across Africa, intra-africa.com offers a comprehensive trade directory, verified buyer and seller listings, and real-time market intelligence covering all 54 African nations. It remains an indispensable resource for anyone serious about intra-African commerce.