Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; 7 November 2024 – The 19th Meeting of the Committee of Senior Trade Officials (STOs) of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) was successfully convened from 5–7 November 2024 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. This Meeting, held in a hybrid format, included representatives from AfCFTA State and non-State Parties and Regional Economic Communities (RECs), who deliberated on a range of strategic topics to further the implementation and operationalisation of the AfCFTA Agreement.
In her opening remarks, Honourable Yasmin Wohabrebbi, State Minister of Trade Integration and Promotion Sector for Ethiopia, emphasised AfCFTA’s role in building a self-reliant Africa, noting Ethiopia’s commitment to trade integration through reforms in sectors like telecommunications and foreign exchange. Dr. Tsotetsi Makong, speaking on behalf of H.E. Wamkele Mene, reiterated the importance of leveraging AfCFTA as an opportunity for sustainable growth, underscoring that Africa’s integration is key to reversing the trend of perilous migrations for economic opportunities.
The Chairperson, Dr. Hashil T. Abdallah, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Industry and Trade in the United Republic of Tanzania, highlighted the significance of the STOs’ continued work in unifying Africa’s trade landscape. He remarked, “Our deliberations demonstrate the steadfast commitment of State Parties to creating a seamless and robust trade environment across Africa. Each milestone we reach brings us closer to realising a shared vision of economic prosperity for all.” His message reinforced the Meeting’s focus on practical and collaborative approaches to Africa’s economic integration.
The Meeting received updates and reports from various committees, including progress on the Protocol on Intellectual Property Rights, the Protocol on Digital Trade, and the Draft Ministerial Regulations for Women and Youth in Trade. Notable discussions covered ongoing negotiations surrounding investor-state arbitration, the Guided Trade Initiative (GTI), and the establishment of AfCFTA Trading Companies in Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, and Rwanda. These initiatives aim to foster intra-African trade by supporting aggregation, market access, and cross-border collaboration.
The STOs commended the efforts made in finalising the annexes to the Protocol on Digital Trade, while also calling for additional technical and capacity-building support to enhance implementation. Additionally, discussions highlighted the necessity for cohesive strategies for market access, transparency in trade services, and a robust regulatory framework.
The STOs adopted the report of their 19th Meeting, encapsulating the discussions and key decisions made over the three days. This adoption reflects the STOs’ collective commitment to advancing the implementation of the AfCFTA Agreement and supporting the vision of a unified African market.
