This paper examines the contributions of ancient African trade practices and perspectives for an effectual African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Trade was a very important economic activity in ancient Africa, freely practiced, within short and long-distances, dependent on the actors and items involved. It was essentially through the direct exchange of goods and services for others (barter system). As time went by, other mediums of exchange: cowrie shells, golds dust, beads and others were introduced. The desire to engage in it, instigated many African communities to develop one industrial technology or the other, like blacksmithing, iron bending, carving, weaving and others, producing what they sold or exchanged for other goods and or items. Trading in these, helped connect African societies, despite challenges (fear, insecurity and transportation constraints) faced. It can therefore be contended that practices such as diversification, lowered barriers and others, that characterised ancient African trade, could enhance the most cherished African integration, unity and prosperity that the African Union seeks. This may further help improve trade relations amongst states within the continent through the AfCFTA, especially by diversifying the production of goods and exterminating all tariff and non-tariff barriers in Africa. Encouraging diversification with “made in Africa” products, would attract more trade opportunities within and beyond the continent. In constructing the paper, primary and secondary data were used, interpreted qualitatively and presented logically.