AU Pushes for Rapid Advancement of AfCFTA Implementation

Addis Ababa, June 8, 2025 (ENA)— The African Union called for accelerated efforts to deepen the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), stimulate industrialization, and drive innovation-led growth.

The 50th session of the Permanent Representatives Committee (PRC) took place today at the AU headquarters.

In her keynote address to the session, Ambassador Selma Malika Haddadi, the Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission, noted that the new administration has been intensifying efforts to identify areas of concern for member states.

According to her, critical areas have been identified that require action and joint, collaborative efforts, as well as enhanced dialogue and communication.

To this effect, she called upon all member states of the African Union to accelerate their efforts to implement the AfCFTA, stimulate industrialization, and drive innovation-led growth.

 

“We must accelerate efforts to deepen the AfCFTA, stimulate industrialization, and drive innovation-led growth,” the deputy chairperson underscored.

She also stressed the need for strengthening relations between the Commission and Regional Economic Communities and Regional Mechanisms (RECs/RMs), a key priority for the new leadership.

Malika mentioned that the AU recently convened a Coordination Committee Meeting with the executives and secretary-generals of the RECs/RMs.

She remarked that the goal of this joint meeting was "to strengthen coordination, avoid duplication, and reinforce our shared commitment to the principles of subsidiarity, complementarity, and comparative advantage, which underpin the institutional architecture of the African Union."

Regarding progress in covering 100 percent of the AU's operational budget through member states' assessed contributions, she noted that the continent is lagging in achieving the Johannesburg targets of financing 75 percent of the program budget and 25 percent of peace support operations.

 

She recalled that, to date, only 17 member states have implemented the Kigali decision on the levy, which requires member countries to commit to a 0.2 percent levy on all eligible imported goods to finance the continental body.

The deputy chairperson commented that the lack of financing still limits the institution's activities and success and, she reaffirmed the new leadership's resolute stance on changing this reality.

She urged member countries to contribute their fair share to achieve the African Union's financial sustainability.