Egypt hosts 17th AfCFTA trade ministers meeting

Egypt’s Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade Hassan El-Khatib inaugurated the 17th Ministerial Meeting of African Trade Ministers on Tuesday in Cairo. The event brings together trade ministers from across Africa, AfCFTA Secretary-General Wamkele Mene, and senior delegations.

In his opening remarks, El-Khatib said intra-African trade remains low at 14–15 per cent, compared with 60–70 per cent in Europe, and called for stronger cooperation to ensure trade agreements benefit all member states. He urged African nations to take charge of their economic future through industrial localisation, robust manufacturing, and mutually beneficial trade relations.

The minister highlighted key challenges including weak connectivity, high shipping costs, limited maritime routes, and financing gaps. He stressed the need to finalise rules of origin for the automotive and textile sectors, accelerate AfCFTA implementation, and complete protocols on competition, investment, and intellectual property.

El-Khatib also emphasised strengthening continental infrastructure in transport, communications, and logistics to better link markets and attract private sector investment. He concluded by reaffirming Egypt’s commitment to Africa and the AfCFTA’s success, underscoring the importance of translating plans into action for a more integrated and prosperous common African market.

Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English

Subediting: Y.Yasser