The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) presents an opportunity for Tunisia to boost intra-African trade and develop value chains within the continent. This can help diversify markets and sources of supply, adding greater value to products. According to Pamela Coke-Hamilton, Executive Director of the International Trade Centre (ITC), this can be achieved by strengthening trade with neighboring countries and diversifying sources of supply.
The ITC Director made these remarks at a press conference on the sidelines of the World Trade Organization (WTO) Public Forum in Geneva, held from September 15-17, 2026. She emphasized that facilitating border crossings for businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), is crucial to benefiting from the continental market. Access to trade information and understanding of trade rules and procedures in Africa are also vital.
Tunisia is working to diversify its commercial partnerships and strengthen its integration into the African commercial space and regional and global value chains. Moncef Rejab, advisor to Tunisia's Permanent Mission in Geneva, stated that Tunisia views trade as a lever for socio-economic development and strengthening economic integration and sustainable development.
Rejab highlighted Tunisia's participation in ongoing negotiations on the reform of the WTO to defend a more just and equitable multilateral trading system that responds to the priorities of developing countries. The WTO Public Forum brought together over 4,600 participants and 540 speakers across 113 sessions to discuss topics such as trade in services as a driver of growth, development, and job creation.
The WTO forecasts a 4.8% growth in the global volume of trade in services in 2026. Tunisia's integration into the AfCFTA can help the country tap into this growth and enhance its commercial presence in Africa. The AfCFTA aims to promote economic integration and development across the continent.
Strengthening commercial integration in Africa can help Tunisia reduce its dependence on external markets and increase its competitiveness. The country's strategic location in North Africa also makes it an important hub for trade and investment in the region.
The call for Tunisia to enhance its commercial integration in Africa comes as the country seeks to diversify its economy and strengthen its position in the global market. With the right policies and strategies in place, Tunisia can leverage the AfCFTA to boost its economic growth and development.
Key points
- The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) offers Tunisia an opportunity to strengthen its commercial integration in Africa and diversify its markets and sources of supply.
- Facilitating border crossings for businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), is crucial to benefiting from the continental market.
- Tunisia views trade as a lever for socio-economic development and strengthening economic integration and sustainable development.
