AfCFTA crucial to alleviate poverty, ensure food security in Africa – President Taye

Addis Ababa, November 9, 2024 (FBC) – The 15th meeting of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Council of Ministers is being held at the African Union Hall here in Addis Ababa.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, President Taye Atske-Selassie stated that AfCFTA will contribute to the efforts to alleviate poverty and ensure food security in Africa.

AfCFTAhas a great potential to bring countries closer and connect them through trade.

He added that AfCFTA will play its part in promoting gender equality in the continent.

He pointed out that, to achieve a strong economy in Africa, fragmented trade activities in the countries need to be linked in a single trade system.

Minister of Trade and Regional Integration, Kassahun Gofe (PhD) said the meeting facilitates a better platform to discuss key issues to solve problems and put forth directives for the common good of Africa.

Ethiopia is implementing economic reforms focused on private sector participation, foreign direct investment and digital transformation. He said that the AfCFTA has great opportunities to create a single market for services and goods trade.

The minister added that Ethiopia is creating huge opportunities for industrialization by facilitating trade between member countries, pledging the government’s commitment to continue to support AfCFTA’s initiatives for the better future of the continent.