Zimbabwe has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing Africa’s economic integration after the country secured the hosting rights for the 2027 Meeting of the Council of Ministers Responsible for Trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The announcement followed a meeting between the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Prof Amon Murwira, and the Secretary-General of the AfCFTA Secretariat, H.E. Wamkele Mene, held on the sidelines of the recently concluded 18th Meeting of the Council of Ministers Responsible for Trade under the AfCFTA in Abuja, Nigeria.
In a statement, yesterday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade said the AfCFTA Secretariat welcomed Zimbabwe’s decision to host the next Council of Ministers Responsible for Trade meeting in 2027.
“The AfCFTA Secretariat expressed its sincere appreciation to the Government of Zimbabwe for its decision to host the next Council of Ministers Responsible for Trade meeting in 2027, describing the offer as a demonstration of Zimbabwe’s continued commitment to advancing the continental integration agenda,” the Ministry said.
The Ministry also said that the discussions reflected Zimbabwe’s determination to strengthen its role in implementing the continent’s flagship trade agreement.
“The meeting underscored Zimbabwe’s commitment to deepening its engagement with the African Continental Free Trade Area and advancing regional economic integration,” the Ministry said.
The Ministry added that the talks centred on expanding economic opportunities across the continent.
“Discussions focused on unlocking trade and investment opportunities, enhancing value addition and industrialisation, and supporting the effective implementation of the AfCFTA to create a more competitive and prosperous African market,” the Ministry added.
The Ministry said the meeting also reaffirmed the need for closer cooperation between Member States and the AfCFTA Secretariat to accelerate implementation of the trade agreement.
“The engagement reaffirmed the importance of strong collaboration between Member States and the AfCFTA Secretariat in driving inclusive economic growth, expanding intra-African trade, and accelerating Africa’s shared development agenda,” the Ministry said.
The AfCFTA is the world’s largest free trade area by the number of participating countries and seeks to create a single African market for goods and services, promote industrialisation, boost investment and enhance the free movement of business across the continent.
Zimbabwe has been actively implementing the agreement as part of its strategy to increase exports, attract investment and strengthen regional economic integration.
