ECA calls for bold actions for AfCFTA implementation

The Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) has called for bold and strategic actions to accelerate the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

The United Nations Under-Secretary-General and ECA Executive Secretary, Claver Gatete, said this at the Conference of African Ministers of Finance, Planning and Economic Development in Addis-Ababa, Ethiopia.

Gatete was represented by Mr Antonio Pedro, Deputy Executive Secretary (Programme Support) at the ECA. He emphasised the commission’s role in trans- forming the continent’s economy and strengthening Africa’s position in global trade.

He also reiterated the need to remove trade barriers and enhance regional integration to fully unlock the benefits of the AfCFTA agreement.

“The AfCFTA is not just a free trade agreement; it is a development blueprint and a political platform for Africa to speak with one voice on global issues of collective interest.

“About 85 per cent of Africa’s total exports are currently directed outside the continent, mainly in primary commodities.

“However, intra-African trade, though relatively low, is more diversified and largely consists of industrial products.

“ECA believes that AfCFTA can significantly change this trade structure, boosting industrialisation and food security,” he said.

According to Gatete, ECA’s latest assessment projects that reducing tariffs and non-tariff barriers as outlined in the AfCFTA framework could increase intraAfrican trade by 45 per cent by 2045.

“This is particularly in the agrifood and industrial sectors.

“There is, therefore, the need for strategic policy implementation to harness these opportunities,” he said.

Gatete urged African nations to ratify key protocols such as the free movement of persons, investment, competition, and intellectual property rights, which are crucial for the successful implementation of AfCFTA.

“The Protocol on the Free Movement of Persons was adopted in 2018, yet only four countries have ratified it, with the last ratification occurring in 2019. This is not acceptable,” he said.

The ECA boss also reiterated the need for infrastructure development to support AfCFTA implementation.

“A 2022 study by the commission projected that $411 billion in transport infrastructure and equipment will be needed to facilitate increased intra-African trade.

“This includes investments in shipping vessels, aircraft, rail wagons, and trucks,” he said.

He also underscored the importance of private sector engagement, noting that many small and medium-sized enterprises remained unaware of the opportunities presented by AfCFTA.