African Continental Free Trade Area

The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is the overarching framework for the launched platforms, which aim to operationalize its goals by addressing the trade execution gap across Africa. The platforms are expected to strengthen the AfCFTA's internal market amid global supply chain disruptions.

The African Continental Free Trade Area Secretariat is a key partner for IATF2027, which is a flagship initiative supporting its implementation. Wamkele Mene, Secretary-General of the African Continental Free Trade Area Secretariat, stressed that platforms like IATF are essential for translating the agreement into tangible economic activity.

The African Continental Free Trade Area is transitioning from policy negotiation to implementation, with emphasis on digital trade, industrialisation, and practical delivery, serving as a crucial framework for the summit's objectives.

The African Continental Free Trade Area is identified as a transformative platform for boosting intra-African trade and cross-border investments. Its success is heavily dependent on disciplined implementation and institutional alignment across member states.

RACE 2026 is aligned with the goals of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to integrate a $3.4 trillion market. The conference aims to address regulatory and infrastructure gaps that currently limit AfCFTA's full potential.