AU Renews Call for AfCFTA Implementation Amid Drive for African Self-Reliance

The African Union has called on member states to accelerate the ratification and implementation of key legal frameworks necessary to operationalize the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as its 47th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council opened yesterday in Malabo.

The meeting, held under the theme “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations,”  brings together foreign ministers and senior officials to deliberate on critical priorities, including the Union’s 2026 budget.

In his opening remarks, newly elected AU Commission Chairperson Mahamoud Ali Yusuf acknowledged progress in mobilizing domestic resources but warned that the Union continues to face serious financial constraints.

He pointed out that the landmark 2016 Kigali decision which introduced a 0.2% levy on selected imports to fund the AU has yet to be fully implemented. To date, only 17 member states have adopted the measure.

Ethiopia has recently finalized its National AfCFTA Implementation Strategy, which outlines the country’s roadmap for integrating into the continent-wide free trade pact. Currently, 36 African countries and three regional economic communities (RECs) have developed and launched their National AfCFTA Implementation Strategies.

African countries are advancing on several fronts to reduce dependence on aid and external markets. Sources reveal that nearly half of African countries have restricted exports of raw critical minerals, pushing instead toward domestic processing.

The Chairperson also highlighted the persistent challenges undermining Africa’s development agenda, including political instability, humanitarian crises, and security threats in Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Somalia, and the Sahel region. He noted that funding shortfalls continue to hamper the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission (AUSOM), which plays a vital role in peacekeeping efforts.

Nevertheless, Yusuf pointed to recent positive developments, such as the agreement between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda, Gabon’s return to constitutional order, and Guinea’s transitional plan, as encouraging signs of progress.

Looking ahead, the Chairperson called on member states to strengthen collaboration with regional economic communities, the Peace and Security Council, and the UN Security Council to consolidate peace and economic integration.

The Executive Council session will continue until July 13, 2025. Additionally, on July 14, the AU will convene its 7th Mid-Year Coordination Meeting with key stakeholders to further align continental priorities and strategies.

Source: Ethiopian News Agency (ENA)