Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, 15 April 2025-The 16th Meeting of the AfCFTA Council of Ministers successfully concluded in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo. The meeting was officially opened by H.E. Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, President of the Democratic Republic of Congo, who reaffirmed the country’s unwavering commitment to the objectives of the AfCFTA and to the broader goal of continental integration.

The Council considered key reports presented by the Secretary-General, the Committee of Senior Trade Officials, the Dispute Settlement Body, Heads of Customs, and Competition Authorities. Ministers also held deliberations on recent developments in the global trade environment, notably the imposition of unilateral tariffs by the United States, and their potential implications for African economies. The outcomes of the meeting provided strategic direction for advancing the implementation of the AfCFTA and for strengthening Africa’s collective position in global trade dynamics.