President William Ruto has urged African nations to move swiftly from negotiations to full implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), calling for concrete actions to turn the agreement into tangible economic benefits for the continent’s 1.4 billion people.
Speaking at the inaugural Committee of Heads of State and Government on AfCFTA Implementation, Ruto said the trade pact could accelerate industrialisation, deepen value addition, and create broad-based growth across Africa. He noted that effective implementation could increase intra-African trade by up to $3 trillion and raise Africa’s cumulative GDP by $1.4 trillion between 2021 and 2045.
Ruto, who chairs the committee with Botswana’s President Duma Boko as deputy, stressed that disciplined execution and sustained political leadership are vital. He emphasised the importance of engaging the private sector, which drives production, investment, credit uptake, and employment, alongside strengthening micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) that employ large numbers of women and youth.
“Our approach must prioritise urgency, coordination, and practical outcomes. By empowering our private sector and implementing effective policies, AfCFTA can deliver real opportunities and strengthen Africa’s global economic position,” President Ruto said.
The meeting was attended by Presidents Évariste Ndayishimiye of Burundi, Duma Boko of Botswana, and Secretary-General of the AfCFTA Secretariat Wamkele Mene. Leaders reaffirmed the need for regular accountability, partnerships, and targeted strategies to ensure the agreement’s success.
, calling for concrete actions to turn the agreement into tangible economic benefits for the continent’s 1.4 billion people.){kind=link}