African leaders have been advised to align legal frameworks with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) requirements to ensure its effective implementation.
This was said at a strategic high-level planning conference held at Addis Ababa on February 12, 2025, to ensure that all African countries leverage the AfCFTA to develop the continent.
Speaking at the event Dr Joy Kategekwa, Director of the Regional Integration Coordination Office, African Development Bank Group said Africa‘s economic integration remained incomplete until trade within the continent is significantly strengthened. She also said Africans must prioritize the need to develop strategies to increase intra-African trade beyond the current 15% level.
“Countries must align national legal frameworks with AfCFTA requirements. Harmonizing laws with AfCFTA regulations will provide legal guarantees for non-discrimination in trade, investment, and intellectual property, fostering a secure business environment,” she added.
She called for implementation of policies that promote value addition in African production processes. Moving beyond raw material exports to higher value-added industries, such as textiles and garment production will drive industrial growth and economic resilience.
“As a continent, we have to strengthen regional economic communities to enhance trade integration. Improving regional cooperation and embedding African enterprises in regional and global value chains will maximize the benefits of intra-African trade,” she said.
Dr Kategekwa highlighted that they must implement non-discriminatory treatment for goods and services across AfCFTA member countries. Ensuring that all goods and services receive equal treatment, regardless of origin, is essential for fair trade and deeper economic integration.
She said it was time to establish frameworks to harmonize and integrate existing trade agreements across Africa.
“Aligning trade policies, agreements, and regulatory regimes will create a more cohesive and efficient continental trade environment,” she added.
She called for developmental infrastructure projects in transport, ICT, and financial systems. AfCFTA’s success depends on strong infrastructure, adding that member states must commit to domestic reforms and strategic investments to align national systems with treaty obligations. She said expanding value chains in industries like lithium-ion batteries, leather, clothing, cocoa, vaccines, and creative industries will drive economic growth and integration across Africa.
Ultimately, the event underscored the urgent need to remove travel restrictions among African nations to fully realize the benefits of the AfCFTA and Agenda 2063.
