Ambassador of the Republic of Zimbabwe to Namibia, Hon. Melody Chaurura, has called on African countries to accelerate regional integration, industrialization, and cross-border investment partnerships to unlock the full potential of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Addressing delegates at the Invest in Africa Trade Expo and Business Summit 2026 in Swakopmund, the Ambassador said the gathering comes at a critical moment for the continent.
“This summit is timely as Africa transitions from trade potential to active industrial performance,” she said.
The envoy stressed that African countries must work together to overcome regulatory barriers and strengthen regional value chains to drive sustainable economic growth.
“Navigating cross-border regulatory complexities, establishing high-value investment agreements and integrating regional value chains have become increasingly essential for Africa’s economic growth,” she noted.
She commended the organizers for creating a platform that brings together governments, financiers, private sector leaders, and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to foster collaboration and unlock new market opportunities.
“The summit provides actionable pathways toward expanding cross-border market access, accelerating industrialization and ensuring sustainable and inclusive growth across Africa,” she said.
Highlighting the importance of the AfCFTA, the Ambassador described it as the world’s largest free trade area by membership, uniting all 55 African Union member states and regional economic communities under a single continental market.
“The AfCFTA is a flagship project of Agenda 2063 aimed at eliminating trade barriers, enhancing trade liberalization and promoting value-added production across the continent,” she said.
According to the envoy, the continental market serves an estimated 1.3 billion people and has a combined Gross Domestic Product of approximately US$3.4 trillion, creating significant opportunities for businesses and investors.
She noted that removing trade barriers could substantially increase intra-African trade, which currently accounts for about 18 percent of the continent’s total trade.
“Stronger intra-African trade will create opportunities for local and international businesses to expand into new markets while consolidating their presence within existing markets,” she said.
The Ambassador also highlighted the growing role of Africa’s services sector, which contributes roughly 55 percent of real GDP growth across African economies, supporting industries such as agriculture, mining and manufacturing.
On inclusive economic participation, he said the AfCFTA Protocol on Women and Youth in Trade is expected to unlock new opportunities for women entrepreneurs and informal cross-border traders.
“Women account for nearly 70 percent of informal trade and 58 percent of micro, small and medium enterprises across the continent, making their participation critical to Africa’s economic transformation,” she said.
Despite the opportunities, the envoy acknowledged persistent challenges, including non-tariff barriers, complex customs procedures, differing product standards, licensing requirements and bureaucratic delays.
He also pointed to limited access to trade information, trade facilitation centres and digital platforms as obstacles that continue to restrict market access and investment opportunities.
However, he expressed optimism that these challenges can be overcome through greater cooperation and innovation.
“Continuous dialogue, collaboration and digital connectivity across sectors will help address these challenges,” she said.
Turning to Zimbabwe’s progress under the AfCFTA framework, the Ambassador revealed that the country signed and ratified the agreement in March 2018 and May 2019 respectively and continues to advance implementation efforts.
She said Zimbabwe’s provisional tariff concession schedule has already been technically verified and adopted by the AfCFTA Council of Ministers responsible for Trade, while a National Implementation Committee is being established to drive implementation at the national level.
The envoy further cited projections by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa indicating that Zimbabwe’s industrial exports to African markets could increase by 59 percent under the AfCFTA.
He added that Zimbabwe has embraced digital trade by joining 22 African countries implementing the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System, which facilitates secure and efficient cross-border transactions.
Concluding his remarks, the Ambassador urged African nations to fully capitalize on the opportunities offered by the AfCFTA.
“Africa must unlock value from its own resources, strengthen supply chains and empower entrepreneurs to compete globally,” she said.
He reaffirmed Zimbabwe’s commitment to supporting Africa’s economic transformation agenda and expressed confidence that the summit would help open new frontiers for growth, investment and prosperity across the continent
Story written by NANA ACHIAA ABOAGYE
