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<p>54 of the African Union's 55 member states have signed the agreement establishing
the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and 28 of those have so far deposited
their instruments of ratification with the African Union Commission (AUC). The UK
is supporting the initiative by providing technical assistance, including the secondment
of an investment expert to the AUC. We are also spending over £400 million annually
across Africa to help countries break down barriers to trade - supporting critical
trade infrastructure like ports and roads; tackling burdensome regulations, high transport
costs and delays at customs; and building trade skills so that partner countries are
better able to take advantage of trading opportunities. The AfCFTA was an area of
focus in the trade and investment session at the UK-Africa Investment Summit in London
on 20 January, with AUC Chairperson Faki outlining progress to date to UK investors.</p>
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