New Presidential Committee to drive next phase of AfCFTA implementation

By Kizito CUDJOE

Africa’s flagship trade pact has entered a new phase with the inauguration of a committee of presidents, chaired by Kenya’s William Ruto, to strengthen implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

The high-level body, which includes leaders from Ghana, South Africa and several other member states, is expected to provide strategic guidance as the Agreement moves from negotiation into full execution, setting priorities, monitoring progress and encouraging collaboration with development finance institutions and the private sector.

Since entering its operational phase in 2019, the AfCFTA has recorded steady advances, including the completion of key legal instruments, the launch of the Guided Trade Initiative and the establishment of institutional structures to support implementation.

The new committee will follow developments across the continent’s five regions and help maintain the high-level political commitment required to translate the Agreement’s framework into practical trade and investment outcomes.

President Ruto noted the importance of operationalising the committee’s work, deepening public–private partnerships and sustaining focused execution to ensure the AfCFTA becomes a practical instrument for economic transformation.

He emphasised the need for continued engagement to keep implementation on track.

The committee was inaugurated on the margins of the 39th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union Heads of State and Government.

Its establishment has been welcomed by AfCFTA Secretary-General Wamkele Mene, who highlighted the value of sustained leadership at this stage of implementation and the opportunities the Agreement presents for expanding intra-African trade, strengthening industrial capacity and enhancing the continent’s resilience in a changing global economy.

As the world’s largest free trade area by number of participating countries, the AfCFTA brings African Union member states into a single market for goods, services and investment.

The committee’s inaugural meeting also received the report of AfCFTA Champion Issoufou Mahamadou and reaffirmed the importance of continued engagement with African development finance institutions to support implementation across member states.