The increased trade activity in Africa highlights the continent’s potential for global economic influence. With 53 countries, Africa has the opportunity to become a significant economic powerhouse. It is the responsibility of the African people to advance “Brand Africa” by transforming the business landscape across the continent.
Wamkele Mene, the Secretary-General of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat, visited Tunisia this week to promote Brand Africa and strengthen intercontinental trade partnerships. During his official visit, he met with Ahmed Hachani, Head of Government, and Kalthoum Ben Rjeb, Minister of Trade and Export Development.
This visit provided a platform to commend the Tunisian government for its efforts in implementing the AfCFTA Agreement, particularly its participation in the GuideTrade Initiative (GTI). Discussions centered on key activities that could help Tunisia implement the agreement effectively. The GTI, a crucial document for facilitating smooth trade in Africa, aids in guiding shipments through customs clearance, including reduced tariff treatment under the AfCFTA in recipient countries.
The primary purpose of the research conducted was to document and provide practical information on specific trade relationships established in the early stages of the GTI. This documentation helps draw lessons from participants’ experiences, enabling other State Parties to navigate the AfCFTA implementation process more effectively, ultimately boosting intra-African trade under the AfCFTA. The study analyzed export and import processes in participating countries to understand the effectiveness of procedures, regulatory frameworks, and institutional structures supporting the AfCFTA agreement. It identified key challenges, successes, and recommended remedial actions where necessary.
During his visit, the Secretary-General learned about Tunisia’s progress in implementing the GTI, noting the issuance of 93 AfCFTA Certificates of Origin to Cameroon, Kenya, Ghana, and Tanzania since the initiative’s launch. He praised Tunisia’s willingness to purchase African products under the AfCFTA agreement and its commitment to facilitating increased supply from other African nations.
Special attention was given to the project aimed at upgrading and modernising the “Ras Jedir” Border Post on the Tunisian-Libyan border. Both parties agreed to collaborate in raising the necessary funds to support this initiative, which will provide landlocked countries such as Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso, Chad, and the Central African Republic with direct access to the Mediterranean.
Key focus areas include the automotive and pharmaceutical sectors, trade facilitation, and private sector engagement. Tunisia ratified the AfCFTA agreement in November 2020, marking a ground-breaking development for the continent. With ongoing road and infrastructure projects, Africa is on its way to becoming a global economic powerhouse.
