Source under AfCFTA, sell under DCTS. Here's how combining both trade agreements creates a competitive moat that non-African competitors can't match.
The smartest African exporters don't choose between AfCFTA and DCTS — they use both simultaneously.
The strategy is simple
1. SOURCE under AfCFTA: Import raw materials and components from other African countries at reduced or zero duty. Intra-African tariffs of 20-35% on processed goods are heading to zero.
2. PROCESS in your country: Add value through manufacturing, processing, or transformation.
3. SELL under DCTS: Export finished products to the UK at 0% duty.
The cumulation synergy makes this work: inputs sourced under AfCFTA from any African country count toward DCTS origin requirements.
Real examples
• A Ghanaian chocolate maker sources cocoa from Côte d'Ivoire (AfCFTA zero duty), sugar from Mozambique (AfCFTA), processes in Accra → exports to UK at 0% DCTS (vs 8.3% MFN)
• An Ethiopian garment factory imports cotton from Tanzania (AfCFTA), spins yarn locally, weaves and sews → exports T-shirts to UK at 0% (vs 12% MFN, saving £12,000 per £100,000)
• A Kenyan coffee roaster imports green beans from Rwanda and Uganda (AfCFTA), roasts in Nairobi (CTH change) → exports to UK at 0% (vs 9% MFN)
AfCFTA priority sectors that align with DCTS:
• Agrifood processing (value multiplier 3-10x)
• Textiles & apparel (regional value chains)
• Pharmaceuticals (local formulation)
• Mineral beneficiation (processing before export)
The AfCFTA Hub shows you 32 country profiles, 8 priority sectors, and real cumulation examples to get started.