The African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) has been making waves since its inception in March 2018 when it was signed by 44 African countries in Kigali, Rwanda. The agreement seeks to create a single continental market for goods and services, with free movement of people and capital, and aims to boost trade within the African continent.

However, there were five African countries that did not sign the agreement at the time: Benin, Eritrea, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, and Guinea Bissau. These countries have various reasons for their non-participation in the AfCFTA.

Benin, a small country located in West Africa, had expressed concerns about the negative impact of the agreement on its local farmers and small businesses. The country relies heavily on agriculture and the government feared that the influx of goods from other African countries could harm the local industry.

Eritrea, a country located in the Horn of Africa, has been dealing with political instability which has hindered its ability to sign the agreement. The country has been in conflict with neighboring Ethiopia for years and the focus has been on resolving the conflict rather than on trade agreements.

Nigeria, the most populous country in Africa, had initially expressed concerns about the potential threats to its local industries, particularly the manufacturing sector. However, after negotiations and consultations with various stakeholders, the country eventually signed the agreement in July 2019.

Sierra Leone, a country located in West Africa, has expressed interest in signing the agreement, but has not done so yet. The country is currently undergoing reforms to improve its business climate and this could be a factor in its non-participation in the AfCFTA.

Guinea Bissau, located in West Africa, has also not signed the agreement. The country has been dealing with political instability, with frequent coups and a history of human rights abuses. This instability has hindered the country`s ability to engage in trade and investment negotiations.

Overall, the African Continental Free Trade Agreement is seen as a positive development for the continent, with potential benefits for all African countries. The non-participation of certain countries is understandable given the unique challenges faced by each country. However, efforts should be made to ensure that these countries can eventually sign the agreement and benefit from increased trade and investment within the continent.