Historic meeting in Kinshasa: The 15th meeting of the ZLECAF Council of Ministers promises a thriving trade future for Africa.

Fatshimétrie, June 27, 2024 – The Democratic Republic of Congo has been designated to host the 15th meeting of the ZLECAF Council of Ministers in Kinshasa next October. This decision represents a major opportunity for the Congolese capital which positions itself as a strategic crossroads for discussions on international trade in Central Africa.

The Minister of Foreign Trade, Dr. Julien Paluku Kohongya, underlined the importance of this event to strengthen trade within the African Continental Free Trade Area. The objective is to boost inter-African trade which currently represents only 6% of the continent’s total trade. By harmonizing the rules of origin of products and promoting the development of value chains and Special Economic Zones, the ZLECAF aims to stimulate economic growth and reduce Africa’s commercial dependence on its external partners.

During the meeting held in Zanzibar, African Ministers of Foreign Trade developed strategies aimed at promoting intra-African trade and strengthening regional cooperation. These discussions resulted in the adoption of resolutions which will constitute the ZLECAF Strategic Plan for the next ten years. These resolutions will be submitted for approval to African Heads of State at a future summit, where it is essential that everyone takes ownership of the objectives of the AfCFTA to ensure their effective implementation.

In parallel with discussions on international trade, the DRC’s economic diplomacy enabled the release of transit vehicles seized by the Ugandan authorities. This achievement, achieved during the meetings in Zanzibar, demonstrates the country’s commitment to facilitating regional trade and ensuring the availability of products in local markets.

The organization of the 15th meeting of the ZLECAF Council of Ministers in Kinshasa represents a unique opportunity for the DRC to strengthen its position as a key player in international trade in Central Africa. This meeting promises to open new perspectives for the economic development of the continent and to strengthen ties between African countries within the framework of the ZLECAF.