The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is not merely a continental agreement but also a 'blueprint' for Africa's development and a powerful political platform on which Africans can forge a common position, Antonio Pedro, Deputy Executive Secretary of the UN Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), said at the 57th session of the ECA Conference of African Ministers of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development.
He called for the full implementation of the AfCFTA agreement, suggesting that it might be "a game changer." Pedro also urged the implementation of all other protocols key to the AfCFTA, adopted 13 years ago in Addis Ababa.
Speaking at the conference, Ethiopia's State Minister of Finance Semereta Sewasew called for accelerated efforts to address Africa's pressing development challenges, stressing the need for improved infrastructure, human capital investment, and regional integration.
Semereta cautioned that financial constraints impede Africa's potential, especially in infrastructure, and emphasized the crucial role of education and health. She also noted that conflict, extremism, and trade barriers hinder African integration.
Amidst global transitions and declining development assistance, Semereta urged African nations to enhance self-reliance and innovation.
The conference is scheduled to take place until March 18.