The AfCFTA Protocol on Investment represents a turning point in Africa’s investment governance landscape. It sets the bar high, redefining the standards for investment policymaking with the goal of accelerating sustainable and high-quality investments across the continent. This Protocol introduces groundbreaking provisions that are poised to benefit not only the Member States of the AfCFTA but also the Regional Economic Communities (RECs) and investors, both African and foreign.

At the heart of the IATF 2023 in Cairo, the AfCFTA Session on Investment will serve as a global platform for sensitization and dialogue. It is here that stakeholders from the investment community can gain in-depth insights into the multifaceted interface between the Protocol on Investment and other investment governance regimes within and outside Africa. This knowledge is pivotal, equipping investors with the tools they need to navigate these frameworks effectively and make informed decisions.

In an era where innovation and modernization are essential, the AfCFTA is proud to announce the launch of the African Investment Promotion Agency. Having successfully established an avant-garde policy framework for investments in Africa under the AfCFTA Protocol on Investment, our focus now shifts to implementation. This agency will play a pivotal role in promoting investments, enhancing economic growth, and fostering partnerships within the continent and beyond.

The session at IATF 2023 offers a vital platform for dialogue on critical issues, such as access to investment financing and the role of digital trade. These discussions are not merely theoretical; they are instrumental in turning the Protocol’s expectations from policy declarations into tangible economic gains. By facilitating dialogue and cooperation, we aim to enhance investments for both investors and Member States of the AfCFTA, contributing to the continent’s sustainable development.