The Forum ZLECAf Morocco 2024 unites top African leaders and business to discuss trade, investment, and the path toward economic integration.
The Forum ZLECAf Morocco 2024 brought together members of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and business representatives from across Africa in Morocco to discuss key issues and opportunities surrounding the trade pact.
The inaugural Forum marks a pivotal moment for African trade, as the continent’s leaders reaffirm their commitment to AfCFTA’s mission of fostering economic integration and reducing trade barriers. The event was run through a partnership between Morocco’s Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Moroccan Confederation of Exporters (ASMEX).
Key Objectives of the Forum ZLECAf Morocco 2024
The Forum ZLECAf Morocco 2024 aims to create a unified African market that enhances intercontinental trade and improves Africa’s position in global trade. Launched in 2018, the AfCFTA agreement aspires to integrate the economies of Africa’s 55 countries, promoting a shared vision of economic self-reliance. Highlighting the forum’s objectives, Wamkele Mene, Secretary-General of AfCFTA, noted, “The AfCFTA is a crucial instrument for Africa to industrialize, develop and become a strong player in global trade.”
The forum, held under the theme “Intra-African Trade: Perspectives and Opportunities,” addressed multiple high-priority areas, including infrastructure development, financing models, and industrialization strategies, with a clear goal of making Africa more competitive in international markets. The talks also focused on how to harness AfCFTA’s potential to attract investment in key sectors such as manufacturing, agriculture, and services, which are vital for sustainable growth and job creation.
Boosting Investment and Creating Jobs
An essential theme throughout the discussions was the drive to enhance foreign and local investment, which is necessary for the job creation needed to sustain Africa’s rapidly growing population. Several leaders emphasized that AfCFTA has opened doors to unprecedented investment opportunities, making Africa a more attractive destination for global businesses and investors.
During his address, Moroccan Minister of Industry and Trade Ryad Mezzour highlighted, “The Kingdom of Morocco is fully committed to the AfCFTA and is ready to leverage its strategic position as a bridge between Africa and other regions.” Mezzour’s remarks underscored Morocco’s ongoing efforts to serve as a gateway for African trade with other continents, particularly through its robust trade infrastructure and supportive business environment.
Hassan Sentissi El Idrissi, president of ASMEX, one of the partners for the event, highlighted the forum as a vital platform to advance Africa’s economic integration. He stressed the need to encourage Moroccan small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to participate in the growing African market, which he said still presents challenges for smaller exporters despite the presence of larger, resource-rich firms. Sentissi added that while negotiations among African countries remain in the early stages, Morocco’s commitment to intra-African trade remains strong. “We are now launching this initiative to promote it and encourage all Moroccans to start exporting.”
Omar Hejira, Morocco’s Secretary of State for Foreign Trade, described the forum as a significant moment for Morocco and a continuation of policies that have emphasized Africa as a focal point for investment.
Collaborative Efforts Towards Economic Integration
The forum also provided a platform for participants to discuss and solidify collaborations that will support AfCFTA’s mandate. Several African countries have made considerable progress in adapting policies and regulations to meet the requirements of the free trade area, facilitating the movement of goods and services across borders. Notably, the AfCFTA envisions creating a single, unified customs framework that will reduce red tape and streamline intra-African trade.
Secretary-General Mene emphasized the importance of shared efforts, stating, “For AfCFTA to succeed, all African countries must work together to overcome challenges in infrastructure, harmonization of standards, and investment.” Such collaborative initiatives are critical to achieving the long-term goals of the AfCFTA.
A Milestone Event for Africa’s Economic Future
The Forum ZLECAf Morocco 2024 represents a milestone in Africa’s pursuit of economic integration, with significant implications for the continent’s role in the global economy. As the forum concluded, participants were optimistic that the dialogues and agreements reached in Morocco will lay the groundwork for a more interconnected and resilient African economy.
Through events like this, AfCFTA aims to inspire African nations to break down trade barriers, create jobs, and ultimately, drive a new era of economic prosperity across the continent. As Secretary-General Mene summarized, “This forum is only the beginning of a journey to a stronger, united African economic landscape.”
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