THE Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) and the AfCFTA Secretariat have formalised a strategic partnership to accelerate the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The two institutions signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) during the Africa Business Forum (ABF 2025) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, marking a key milestone in Africa’s trade and economic integration agenda.
The agreement paves the way for enhanced cooperation between ECA and the AfCFTA Secretariat, focusing on trade facilitation, industrialisation, and private sector participation. Through this collaboration, both organisations aim to strengthen policy frameworks, streamline customs operations, and equip institutions with the technical capacity needed to ensure the AfCFTA’s success.
Strengthening trade and industrial growth
Under the MoU, ECA and the AfCFTA Secretariat will work together on five core areas:
- Market access & trade facilitation – addressing tariff and non-tariff barriers to create smoother intra-African trade flows.
- Industrial & regional value chains – promoting economic linkages to boost industrial development.
- Training & capacity building – strengthening institutions to implement AfCFTA policies effectively.
- Customs & transit systems – improving trade logistics and border efficiency.
- Private sector development – encouraging businesses to engage in intra-African trade opportunities.
Through joint research, policy development, and technical assistance, the partnership aims to create an enabling environment for African businesses and governments to maximise AfCFTA’s benefits.
Leaders highlight the impact
During the signing ceremony, ECA Executive Secretary Claver Gatete underscored the importance of the collaboration, stating: ‘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.’
AfCFTA Secretary-General Wamkele Mene also welcomed the partnership, emphasising its role in accelerating AfCFTA’s operationalisation:
‘This agreement enables us to leverage ECA’s expertise in trade policy, economic modelling, and capacity building. Together, we can create a more enabling environment for African businesses and governments to fully utilise AfCFTA’s benefits.’
Unlocking Africa’s economic potential
With AfCFTA poised to unify a market of 1.3 billion people and a combined GDP of $3.4 trillion, the MoU represents a strategic step in realising the full potential of intra-African trade. The partnership will focus on concrete trade facilitation measures, policy reforms, and capacity-building initiatives to ensure seamless implementation.
By fostering economic cooperation and removing trade barriers, the ECA-AfCFTA alliance aims to position Africa as a competitive player in the global economy, unlocking new opportunities for businesses and industries across the continent.
