AfCFTA news: AfCFTA accelerates implementation amid global trade uncertainty

The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat concluded the 2nd edition of the AfCFTA Business Forum in Marrakech, Morocco, with a decisive call to accelerate implementation amid shifting global trade dynamics and rising tariffs in key export markets.

H.E. Wamkele Mene, Secretary-General of the AfCFTA Secretariat, delivered a strong message at the opening ceremony, emphasising the urgent need to eliminate intra-African trade barriers, modernise customs systems, liberalise the movement of persons and services, and fully leverage Africa’s $712 billion digital economy opportunity.

Secretary-General  Mene highlighted Morocco’s strategic importance in the next phase of AfCFTA implementation, citing the country’s advanced manufacturing capabilities, leadership in renewable energy, and strong commitment to the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS). He emphasised that through deeper integration, targeted investment, and public-private partnerships, Africa can unlock its demographic dividend and chart a path toward sustainable growth.

On the margins of the forum, Mene met with Ryad Mezzour, Minister of Industry and Trade of the Kingdom of Morocco. Discussions focused on progress in finalising the Rules of Origin for the textile and automotive sectors, the two areas of strategic importance to Africa’s industrialisation and trade agenda. The Secretary-General also highlighted ongoing engagements with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) aimed at supporting targeted investments as the AfCFTA transitions from negotiation to implementation. The meeting also addressed ongoing work toward establishing the Continental Intellectual Property Rights Office.

The forum convened a masterclass titled “Making the AfCFTA a Reality,” bringing together youth entrepreneurs and trading companies for capacity building on market access, cross-border trade, and understanding the dynamics of trading under the AfCFTA. The session included assessments on payment and settlement challenges, underscoring the Secretariat’s commitment to accelerating inclusive trade and deepening youth participation across the continental market.

The engagement reflects recognition that Africa’s youth represent not only the continent’s demographic advantage but also the driving force for entrepreneurship and innovation in regional trade.

Secretary-General  Mene also met with Mr. Ahmed Bennis, Secretary-General of the African Economic Zones Organisation (AEZO) on the sidelines of the Forum. Discussions focused on strengthening collaboration between the two institutions, including the conclusion of a Memorandum of Understanding, technical support from the AfCFTA Secretariat for convening the next edition of the AfCFTA Business Forum, and AEZO’s participation in the next edition of Biashara Afrika, the AfCFTA’s flagship business platform.

The engagement reflects the Secretariat’s strategy of building alliances with specialised continental organisations to accelerate implementation across different sectors and economic zones.

The Marrakech forum took place against a backdrop of evolving global trade dynamics, with rising tariffs and uncertainty in key export markets creating both challenges and opportunities for African economies. Secretary-General’s call for accelerated implementation emphasised that Africa must strengthen intra-continental trade as a buffer against external volatility while positioning the continent as an integrated market attractive to global investors.

The forum’s emphasis on practical implementation signals a shift from policy development to operational execution. With the AfCFTA representing the world’s largest free trade area by number of participating countries, encompassing 1.3 billion people and a combined GDP of over $3 trillion, effective implementation stands to transform Africa’s economic trajectory.

The outcomes from Marrakech reinforce the AfCFTA’s commitment to strengthening collaboration between public and private sectors, building capacity for youth and SMEs, modernising trade infrastructure and systems, and ensuring that implementation serves Africa’s industrialisation and value addition objectives.

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