Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, 13 April 2025– The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat successfully convened the 20th Meeting of the Committee of Senior Trade Officials (STOs) from 11 to 13 April 2025 in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo.

The meeting considered key reports and updates critical to advancing the AfCFTA’s implementation, including the first meeting of National Implementation Committee Focal Points, the development of the Agri-Trade Action Plan, and progress under the Protocol on Investment and the AfCFTA Implementation Review Mechanism (AFIRM). Delegations also deliberated on the five-year review of the AfCFTA Agreement and discussed reflections on third-country trade barriers and their implications for the continent.

The outcomes and recommendations of the meeting will be submitted to the Council of Ministers for further consideration. The Secretariat reaffirmed its commitment to driving forward Africa’s integration agenda and expressed its appreciation to the Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo for hosting the meeting.