The ECOWAS Commission held the 2nd Meeting of the Regional Committee on the Implementation of the AfCFTA from September 17 to 19, 2024, in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. The meeting aimed to evaluate progress in implementing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) across the region, promote collaboration among Member States, enhance capacities in resource mobilization, and prepare for upcoming reviews under the AfCFTA Implementation Review Mechanism (AFIRM).
Dr. Kalilou Sylla, Director General of External Trade, representing the Minister of Trade, Industry, and Promotion of SMEs from Côte d'Ivoire, welcomed delegates to Abidjan. He emphasized that "the AfCFTA represents a significant step towards a more integrated, competitive, and prosperous Africa," offering opportunities to boost intra-African trade and drive economic growth. He encouraged delegates to engage in discussions over the three-day meeting.
Mr. Chukwuma Anopueme from Nigeria's Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment and Chair of the Meeting highlighted AfCFTA's transformative potential. "The World Bank projects that AfCFTA will lift 50 million people out of poverty and increase intra-African exports by up to 109% by 2035." He noted Nigeria’s involvement in the second phase of the Guided Trade Initiative (GTI), demonstrating AfCFTA's operational status and its potential to enhance trade across Africa.
Kolawole Sofola, Director of Trade at the ECOWAS Commission, speaking on behalf of Commissioner Massandjé Toure-Litse for Economic Affairs and Agriculture, reaffirmed ECOWAS’ commitment to advancing AfCFTA implementation in West Africa. He mentioned several milestones such as Liberia’s recent ratification of the AfCFTA Agreement and Nigeria’s initial shipments under the GTI. Additionally, he noted that "the ECOWAS-ITC SheTrades AfCFTA Project had successfully trained over 150 women traders across six Member States," reflecting a focus on gender inclusivity.
Ms. Marie Clarisse Avore Bekale from the AfCFTA Secretariat commended ECOWAS' efforts in promoting economic integration beyond regional boundaries under AfCFTA. She emphasized "the importance of regional collaborations in positioning Africa as a key player in the global economy."
The meeting reviewed Member States’ progress at national levels regarding AfCFTA implementation and assessed advancements in ECOWAS' Regional Strategy for implementing AfCFTA. It also discussed requisites for participating in GTI and focused on enhancing stakeholders' capacity for mobilizing resources related to AfCFTA activities. Additionally, it finalized revised Terms of Reference for the Regional AfCFTA Committee.
Representatives from Member States responsible for national implementation of AfCFTA attended alongside officials from ECOWAS Commission and AfCFTA Secretariat. They collectively reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring successful implementation of AfCFTA while advancing intra-African trade.
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