Nairobi, Kenya – The 5th Biannual Coordination Meeting of the African Union marks the start of a series of discussions crucial to the future of Africa. Organized around the AU theme of the year 2023, “Accelerating the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)”, this four-day meeting promises to be a landmark event where leaders will converge to discuss the most pressing issues related to this ambitious continental initiative.
The AfCFTA, which entered into force on January 1, 2021, aims to create a single market of more than 1.3 billion people in Africa, by eliminating trade and tariff barriers between member countries. This biannual coordination meeting is of paramount importance, as it will assess the progress made so far in the implementation of the AfCFTA and discuss the concrete measures to be taken to accelerate its deployment throughout the continent.
Before the official launch of this high-level meeting, the 43rd Ordinary Session of the Executive Council of the African Union will be held from 13 to 14 July 2023. This session will bring together Ministers of Foreign Affairs and other senior officials of the AU to discuss political, economic and social issues that are at the heart of the African agenda.
The atmosphere on site is electric, with a palpable effervescence among the participants who come from all over the continent. Heads of State and Government, Ministers and Senior Officials of the African Union will be present to share their ideas and experiences, with the aim of finding innovative solutions to the challenges facing the implementation of the AfCFTA .
Among the expected speakers is the Chairperson of the African Union, who will deliver an inspiring keynote address, urging African leaders to redouble their efforts to realize the vision of the AfCFTA. Representatives of the African Union Commission, trade experts, business leaders and other key players will also take the floor to share their knowledge and ideas to accelerate the implementation of this continental initiative. .
The participants, all members of the African Union, represent a multitude of countries, thus reflecting the diversity and inclusion dear to Africa. From eminent heads of state to promising young leaders, this meeting offers a unique opportunity to strengthen inter-African cooperation and forge strong partnerships for the future.
The 5th Biannual Coordination Meeting of the African Union therefore promises to be an unmissable event that will shape the path that Africa will take in the years to come.. The frank and constructive discussions, the exchange of innovative ideas and the resulting strategic alliances will contribute to the transformation of the continent and the achievement of the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
Stay tuned for live updates and in-depth coverage of this historic meeting which promises to be a watershed moment for Africa and its citizens, especially in the context of accelerating the implementation of the Zone. African Continental Free Trade (ZLECAf).
From Nairobi, Kenya: Claudine N