AU SUMMIT 2023: POWERING TRADE THROUGH AFCFTA

Adoption by the African Union of the theme for 2023 as the “Year of AfCFTA: Acceleration of the African Continental Free Trade Area Implementation”, will generate greater political commitment and accelerate the effective implementation of the agreement. The successful implementation of the AfCFTA will lead to the creation of more decent jobs, improved welfare and better quality of life for all citizenry, and sustainable development. Beyond the policy transformation and reforms, the AfCFTA seeks to ensure inclusivity of women and youth, including youth in the rural areas, development of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and overall industrialization of the Continent.This initiative supports matchmaking businesses and products for export and import between State Parties. The products earmarked to trade under the Initiative include: ceramic tiles; batteries, tea, coffee, processed meat products, corn starch, sugar, pasta, glucose syrup, dried fruits, and sisal fiber, amongst others, in line with the AfCFTA focus on value chain development. In 2023, the AfCFTA Guided Trade shall also focus on Trade in Services in the five priority areas, namely: Tourism, transport, Business Services; Communication Services; Financial Services; Transport Services, and Tourism and Travel-related Services. From Africa Renewal By African Union
More… https://www.un.org/africarenewal/magazine/february-2023/au-summit-2023-powering-trade-through-afcfta