In a bid to accelerate Africa’s economic transformation, the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) and the AfCFTA Secretariat have entered into a strategic partnership aimed at strengthening trade facilitation, industrialization, and private sector development across the continent. 

The collaboration, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in Addis Ababa, underscores the critical role of institutional cooperation in realizing the full potential of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

By pooling resources and expertise, the two institutions seek to address key challenges hindering intra-African trade, including tariff and non-tariff barriers, weak industrial linkages, and limited technical capacity. 

The partnership will focus on policy development, trade logistics, and capacity-building initiatives that empower businesses and governments to take full advantage of AfCFTA’s vast market opportunities.

ECA Executive Secretary Claver Gatete emphasized that the agreement marks a pivotal step in fostering economic integration across the continent. “The implementation of AfCFTA is a transformative opportunity for Africa, but its success depends on strong institutional partnerships. This MoU solidifies our commitment to working with the AfCFTA Secretariat to drive trade integration, enhance market access, and support Africa’s economic development." he stated.

AfCFTA Secretary-General Wamkele Mene echoed these sentiments, highlighting the importance of leveraging ECA’s expertise in trade policy and economic modeling. “This partnership will enable us to accelerate the operationalization of the AfCFTA by leveraging ECA’s expertise in trade policy, economic modeling, and capacity building. Together, we can create a more enabling environment for African businesses and governments to fully utilize AfCFTA’s benefits." he said.

With AfCFTA set to create a single market of 1.3 billion people and a combined GDP of $3.4 trillion, this collaboration is expected to be a game-changer in shaping Africa’s economic future. By addressing structural trade challenges and enhancing industrial competitiveness, ECA and the AfCFTA Secretariat are paving the way for a more integrated and prosperous Africa.