The Second Session of the African Continental Free Trade Area Business Forum Kicks Off in Marrakech to Strengthen Economic Integration on the Continent
Yesterday, Thursday, in Marrakech, the work of the second session of the African Continental Free Trade Area Business Forum began, under the theme: “Together for Effective Implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area.”
This session, taking place over two days under the high patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, is part of Morocco’s efforts to accelerate the activation of the African Continental Free Trade Area at both the national and regional levels. The forum is organized by the Ministry of Foreign Trade in partnership with the African Continental Free Trade Area Business Forum, the Moroccan Confederation of Exporters, the General Confederation of Moroccan Enterprises, and the Association of Moroccan Regions, expressing the Kingdom’s commitment to enhancing free trade mechanisms and achieving sustainable economic integration among African countries.
The forum embodies the African ambition championed by Morocco under the enlightened leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI and aims to position the Kingdom as a key player in fostering multidimensional cooperation among African countries and as an indispensable proactive partner on the continent.
The second session seeks to establish a structured dialogue on the strategic role of the free trade area as a driver for economic transformation on the continent, mobilizing African nations to expedite the implementation of this agreement and achieve its objectives by stimulating intra-African trade, encouraging exports, and attracting investments, contributing to building a resilient and competitive African economy on the global stage.
The forum features general sessions, thematic seminars, and bilateral business meetings, with participation from government officials, business leaders, and representatives from African continental organizations, all united under the common goal of making the African Continental Free Trade Area a model of successful, inclusive, and sustainable regional integration.
The African Continental Free Trade Area represents a pioneering initiative within the African Union’s Agenda 2063, aiming to create a unified continental market for goods and services, with supporting frameworks for investment, intellectual property rights, and competition. By reducing trade barriers and coordinating policies, the agreement facilitates cross-border trade and investment flows, enhancing Africa’s position as a unified economic bloc in global trade.
