Foreign Minister Discusses Enhancing Intra-African Trade with AfCFTA Secretary-General

Dr. Badr Abdel Aty, Egypt’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, held a phone call today with Wamkele Mene, Secretary-General of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA). The discussion focused on supporting efforts for economic integration and enhancing intra-African trade.

Minister Abdel Aty emphasized Egypt’s commitment to implementing the AfCFTA, highlighting it as one of the continent’s key integration projects. He stressed the importance of continuing efforts to eliminate barriers hindering trade and investment among African nations. He noted that the agreement presents opportunities to increase intra-African trade volume and exchanges, contributing to achieving sustainable development goals and Africa’s Agenda 2063.

The conversation also addressed ways to strengthen cooperation between Egypt and the AfCFTA Secretariat, building on Egypt’s supportive role in economic integration. The Foreign Minister reviewed Egypt’s efforts in supporting the continental development agenda through its accumulated expertise in trade and development fields, as well as training programs and capacity-building initiatives offered to African brothers, which enhance the continent’s capabilities for economic integration and sustainable development.

The Secretary-General praised Egypt’s active role in supporting economic integration efforts across the continent, appreciating Egypt’s contributions towards implementing the agreement and enhancing intra-African trade. He expressed eagerness to continue joint cooperation with Egypt in the upcoming phase to achieve developmental goals and prosperity for member states.