Kenya has urged for the faster implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to accelerate African integration and translate into tangible benefits for African citizens. Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, representing President William Ruto, made the call at the 8th African Union Mid-Year Coordination Meeting in Alamein, Egypt. He emphasized that Africa's integration must go beyond conference rooms and be felt in markets, jobs, and opportunities across borders.
Mudavadi stressed that the faster implementation of AfCFTA will remove non-tariff barriers and facilitate the secure movement of African businesspeople and investors. This, he said, will result in wider markets for Kenyan products, stronger regional industries, easier business connections, and more opportunities for entrepreneurs and young professionals across Africa. Kenya believes that accelerated implementation of AfCFTA will unlock the full potential of African economies.
The Prime Cabinet Secretary noted that Africa's integration must be felt beyond conference rooms, in the markets businesses access, the jobs young people secure, and the opportunities citizens can pursue across borders. He emphasized that an integrated Africa must be peaceful, competitive, and prosperous, working for its people and delivering on its promises. Kenya is committed to making African integration a reality.
During the meeting, Kenya welcomed the Declaration, which seeks to strengthen coordination among African institutions, eliminate duplication, and turn continental commitments into tangible results. The Declaration aims to ensure that African institutions work together seamlessly to achieve the goals of African integration. Kenya supports the Declaration and its objectives.
On peace and security, Kenya welcomed the 2026 AU–RECs/RMs agreement on the African Standby Force, an important step towards more coordinated and responsive African-led peace operations. The agreement will enhance the capacity of African countries to respond to peace and security challenges. Kenya believes that peace and security are essential for African integration.
Mudavadi also highlighted the importance of cooperatives in development, saying they hold a key role in promoting economic growth and social welfare. Cooperatives have been instrumental in empowering African communities and promoting entrepreneurship. Kenya recognizes the potential of cooperatives in driving African development.
The call for faster implementation of AfCFTA is part of Kenya's efforts to promote African integration and economic growth. Three key points emerged from Mudavadi's address: accelerating AfCFTA implementation, removing non-tariff barriers, and facilitating the secure movement of African businesspeople and investors. These steps are crucial for unlocking the full potential of African economies and promoting regional integration.
Key points
- Kenya urges faster implementation of AfCFTA to boost African integration and economic growth.
- Accelerated implementation of AfCFTA will remove non-tariff barriers and facilitate the secure movement of African businesspeople and investors.
- An integrated Africa must be peaceful, competitive, and prosperous, working for its people and delivering on its promises.
