Mr Claver Gatete, Under-Secretary-General of the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), has emphasised the importance of leveraging the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to foster regional value chains.
Gatete, also the Executive Secretary, said this in a statement issued by the ECA Communications Section on Tuesday, at the end of the African Business Forum (ABF) 2025, held in Addis Ababa.
The ECA boss said Africa must accelerate the AfCFTA’s implementation to establish these value chains.
According to him, key sectors include pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and industrial development.
The forum, which closed on Monday, concluded with a dynamic discussion.
Participants focused on the urgent need to activate regional value chains to unlock Africa’s economic potential.
The event brought together heads of state, policymakers, private sector leaders, and experts. They addressed key challenges and opportunities for Africa’s industrial development.
Gatete highlighted the need for collaboration among African nations.
He noted that trade costs remain higher within Africa than those with external markets.
“To build a competitive Africa, we need to reduce these barriers, improve infrastructure, and invest in value-added production,” he said.
The forum underscored key initiatives and projects driving Africa’s economic transformation.
One of such initiative is the Africa Electric Vehicle project, linking the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Zambia.
This project, highlighted by Gatete, demonstrates how economic zones, improved transport infrastructure, and private investment can unlock significant opportunities for sustainable development.
Discussions also focused on the need for greater investment in Africa’s industrial sectors. “Africa’s debt has reached USD 1.21 trillion.
“We need to bring together debt partners from the Paris Club, non-Paris Club, and the private sector to address this issue of high indebtedness.
“The AfCFTA is an essential tool to drive down costs and improve Africa’s competitiveness globally,” he said.
The forum hosted insightful discussions, including a Presidential Dialogue with leaders.
Participants included President Duma Gideon Boko of Botswana, President John Dramani Mahama of Ghana, and Mr Alexandre Barro Chambrier, Deputy Prime Minister of Gabon.
The leaders discussed the need for a pan-African cooperation to activate regional value chains. Panels on financing, trade facilitation, and technological innovation explored solutions to bridge investment gaps.
Gatete urged African governments and businesses to challenge external perceptions of African products.
“We need to change the narratives about Africa and show we can make globally competitive final products.”
“Products coming from Africa are neither fake nor unfinished—they are a testament to our capabilities and our future,” he said. (NAN)
