Significant progress has been made since the onset of trading under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) in January 2021, with over three-quarters of the 54 signatories to the AfCFTA having ratified the agreement and over 87% of rules of origin agreed. The recently commenced second phase of negotiations focuses on the areas of intellectual property, competition policy, investment, digital trade, as well as women and youth. Implementation will also require structures across countries for domestication of the AfCFTA agreement and the development of national AfCFTA strategies.
At this event, HE Wamkele Mene, Secretary General of the AfCFTA Secretariat, will discuss the progress of the African Continental Free Trade Area, including the implementation challenges and priorities in Phase II negotiations.
- How are Phase II negotiations progressing and what are the main challenges in developing new protocols?
- How is the relationship between the AfCFTA and regional economic communities (RECs) evolving?
- What is the role of the AfCFTA in shaping Africa’s external trading relationships?
- What are the main policy priorities for the AfCFTA to support climate resilience and inclusive growth across African countries?
