Zimbabwe has launched a strategic plan for its economic development in light of the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The plan was validated at a two-day meeting with its private and public sectors, as well as representatives of various institutions. During the meeting, the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) and the African Union Commission (AUC) pledged their full support to the country.
“Effective implementation of the AfCFTA strategy will require government, the private sector, and other trade support institutions to work together,” said Batanai Chikwene, ECA’s from the program management office.
Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa stated this week, that in partnership with the private sector, his government intends to derive maximum benefit from the operationalization of AfCFTA.
Among the country’s strategic objectives are expanding exports of goods and services and expanding access to African markets. The government also aims to improve infrastructure development to facilitate border connectivity and market access, as well as empowering women and youth in the formal and informal sectors.
“Zimbabwe’s national AfCFTA implementation strategy, like other political agreements, will not be implemented alone. We have to invest heavily in execution and implementation. The government will have to provide an environment in which exporters and importers can do business and create companies that can compete globally, ”said Chikwen. He also thanked the European Union for supporting the AfCFTA project.
The representative of the African Union Commission, Beatrice Claudia Chaytor, also reinforced the institution’s support to the country in the process of implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area.