The African Union (AU) recognises 8 officially recognised regional economic communities (RECs). These are regarded as building blocks to the AfCFTA. Overlapping membership complicates the implementation processes.

This infographic provides an overview of total Intra-Africa trade for 2021 and the REC share of intra-Africa trade for the following RECs:

• Arab Maghreb Union (AMU) – 5.44%

• Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) – 20.32%

• Community of Sahel–Saharan States (CEN–SAD) – 16.59%

• East African Community (EAC) – 4.76%

• Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) – 5.9%

• Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) – 10.18%

• Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) – 4.7%

• Southern African Development Community (SADC) – 32.12%

Please note that this is a preview only. The complete infographic is available to download.