Forty-nine out of 55 member nations of the African Union have signed a continental free trade agreement.<br /> South Africa, Sierra Leone, Namibia, Lesotho and Burundi were the latest members to sign the AfCFTA at the end of the 31st AU summit in Nouakchott on Tuesday.<br />Nigeria abstained, saying it wants more time to consult with relevant stakeholders.<br />Chad and Swaziland ratified the agreement, which brings the total number of ratifications to six.<br />Sixteen more ratifications are needed for the trade deal to come into force. <br />The AU says the continental trade deal could create an African market of over 1.2 billion people with a GDP of two-and-a-half-trillion U.S. dollars. <br />
