Boosting Intra-African Trade

The second national workshop on the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), initiated by Seychelles, is set to enhance the island nation’s application of the AfCFTA agreement.

Ratified by Seychelles in 2021, the AfCFTA aims to create a single continental market, promoting the free movement of professionals and investors while accelerating the establishment of a customs union. Today’s workshop offers an opportunity to examine the implementation strategy for Seychelles, in collaboration with various consultants who will guide us through this process », stated Véronique Brutus, the lead trade officer at the Ministry of Trade.

During the workshop, the strategic project will be presented to participants, who will have the chance to share insights and recommendations to ensure an optimal implementation approach for Seychelles. Speaking at the event, Naadri Hassan, Minister of Finance, National Planning, and Trade, emphasized that the national strategy for implementing AfCFTA in Seychelles will be a critical tool for enabling effective participation and reaping the agreement’s benefits.

Adopting an inclusive approach is essential to fostering consensus and acceptance among stakeholders and ensuring that the needs and interests of all parties are addressed. AfCFTA’s mission is to boost intra-African trade and strengthen Africa’s global market position, enhancing African political influence in international trade discussions.