A landmark free-trade agreement removing most tariffs and other commercial barriers in the African continent grew to encompass 54 signatories, after Benin and Nigeria signed up to the accord on Sunday. Albert Muchanga, the African Union’s commissioner for trade and industry, announced Benin’s intention to join at the bloc’s summit officially launching the pact, in Niger’s capital Niamey. Nigeria said earlier this week it would ratify the deal during the two-day summit that’s also set to discuss migration and security -- issues affecting the host country Niger.
