The COMESA Business Council (CBC) held a workshop to educate the CBC National Focal Points and the private sector in COMESA’s Francophone countries about the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Ministry of Trade and Export Development Director General of Trade and Economic Cooperation, Mr. Lazhar Bannour, officially opened the workshop and underscored the Tunisian authorities’ readiness to support the private sector in fully participating in the AfCFTA. He highlighted the enormous potential that the AfCFTA holds for boosting trade and economic development across the continent.
Speaking at the event, CBC-CEO Mr. Teddy Soobramanien said the workshop aims to enable the private sector in Francophone COMESA countries to better understand the dynamics and opportunities presented by the AfCFTA.
Mr. Soobramanien said through the workshop that it will help these countries leverage the benefits of the AfCFTA, thereby promoting regional economic integration and contributing to an inclusive and sustainable economic.
The two days event was hosted in Tunisia with the support of the Technical Assistance Facility (EU-TAF), reflecting the EU’s commitment to enhancing continental economic integration. Participants from Burundi, Comoros, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Madagascar, Mauritius, Rwanda, and Tunisia attended the workshop.
Representing the EU Delegation in Tunisia, Marco Stella, Head of Section-Economic Development, commended the CBC for organising the AfCFTA sensitization activities. Mr. Stella highlighted the EU’s ongoing commitment to capacity building for the AfCFTA and support for various initiatives, particularly through institutions like the World Customs Organisation (WCO) for Rules of Origin aspects.
Meanwhile, CBC’s National focal point in Tunisia, UTICA, represented by Mr. Tarek Mejouel, conveyed UTICA’s commitment to facilitating its members’ participation in enhanced trade within Africa. Mr. Mejouel emphasised UTICA’s readiness to support its membership in expanding trade and investment across the continent under the AfCFTA framework.
President of the Tunisia-Africa Business Council (TABC), Mr. Anis Jaziri, also reaffirmed Tunisia’s eagerness to deepen its engagement in Africa under the AfCFTA trade regime, highlighting the country’s strategic position and readiness to capitalise on new trade opportunities.
The workshop marks a significant step forward in sensitizing and empowering the private sector in Francophone COMESA countries to seize the vast opportunities offered by the AfCFTA, fostering a more integrated and economically vibrant Africa.