Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 17 February – The AfCFTA Secretariat and the Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen cooperation in advancing the AfCFTA’s implementation. The signing ceremony took place during the Africa Business Forum (ABF 2025), held on the margins of the African Union Summit, and was witnessed by Heads of State and key stakeholders.

Speaking at the Forum, H.E. Wamkele Mene, Secretary-General of the AfCFTA Secretariat, underscored the critical need to consolidate domestic markets and accelerate regional value chains in key sectors such as automotive, pharmaceuticals, and agribusiness. He highlighted the AfCFTA as a catalyst for development, providing the scale, predictability, and investment security necessary to attract investors and strengthen Africa’s position in global trade.

The Africa Business Forum served as a platform to explore how trade policy can drive industrialisation and private sector-led growth. Discussions focused on removing tariff and non-tariff barriers, improving trade logistics, and fostering deeper economic linkages across African economies.

In a significant step towards enhancing AfCFTA implementation, the MoU between the AfCFTA Secretariat and UNECA establishes a framework for collaboration in trade facilitation, policy development, and capacity building. Key areas of cooperation include streamlining customs and transit systems, supporting industrial development, and strengthening institutional capacity to implement AfCFTA policies effectively.

By leveraging UNECA’s technical expertise and the AfCFTA Secretariat’s mandate, this partnership is expected to deliver tangible outcomes that boost intra-African trade, drive investment, and create opportunities for businesses across the continent. The discussions and agreements at the Africa Business Forum 2025 reaffirm the shared commitment to realising Africa’s economic potential through deeper trade integration and regional cooperation.