Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Professor Amon Murwira, arrived in Nigeria, Abuja yesterday to lead the country’s delegation to the 18th Meeting of the Council of Ministers Responsible for Trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) which will commence today.
In a statement yesterday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade said Prof Murwira had travelled to Nigeria to represent Zimbabwe at the high-level gathering, where ministers are expected to address matters critical to the future of continental trade integration.
“The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Prof Amon Murwira, has arrived in Abuja, Nigeria, this Monday, where he is leading the Zimbabwe delegation to the 18th Meeting of the Council of Ministers Responsible for Trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), scheduled for 30 June 2026,” the ministry said.
According to the ministry, the Council of Ministers will review the report presented by Senior Trade Officials before deliberating on a range of policy issues shaping the future of the AfCFTA.
“During the Ministerial session, Council members will consider the report of the Senior Trade Officials and deliberate on key strategic issues affecting the implementation of the AfCFTA, including emerging global trade policy developments and their implications for Africa’s trade, industrialisation, and economic integration,” the ministry said.
The ministry said the discussions come at a time when African countries are working to strengthen regional value chains, enhance industrial competitiveness and build resilience against external economic shocks through deeper continental cooperation.
It said Zimbabwe continues to view the AfCFTA as a strategic platform for unlocking new markets, increasing trade among African countries and driving sustainable economic transformation.
“Zimbabwe remains committed to advancing regional cooperation and supporting the AfCFTA as a catalyst for inclusive economic growth, expanded intra-African trade, and sustainable development across the continent.
Zimbabwe’s participation at the ministerial meeting underscores the country’s commitment to promoting policies that facilitate trade, strengthen industrial development and advance Africa’s broader economic integration agenda” the statement read.
The Council of Ministers is expected to adopt decisions that will guide the next phase of implementing the AfCFTA, with a focus on improving market access, addressing emerging trade challenges and enhancing the effectiveness of the continental free trade framework.
