Morocco's commitment to the African continental free trade area shines at CEA session

Monday 17 March 2025 - 15:00

By: Dakir Madiha

Morocco's commitment to the African continental free trade area shines at CEA session

During the 57th session of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) and the Conference of African Ministers of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development held in Addis Ababa, Moroccan Minister of Industry and Commerce, Riyad Mezzour, reaffirmed Morocco's unwavering commitment to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Mezzour emphasized that the AfCFTA is not merely a legal framework but a cornerstone of Agenda 2063, which promises employment opportunities, dignity, and hope for the continent's people. Speaking as the president of the ECA session, he highlighted the AfCFTA as “the challenge of our generation,” urging bold actions for its effective implementation amidst a rapidly changing global landscape.

Since its return to the African Union (AU) in 2017, Morocco has served as a bridge between North and South, tradition and innovation, ambition and action. The minister noted that Africa must evolve beyond its role as a mere exporter of raw materials and importer of consumer goods. He called for African nations to develop value chains in sectors where they possess a competitive edge, citing Morocco's strategic industrial policies that have positioned the country as a global hub for fertilizers, producing over 20% of the world's fertilizer needs.

Additionally, Morocco has emerged as a center for vehicle production in Africa. Mezzour referenced the Morocco-RDC-Zambia electric mobility project, illustrating that Africa can play a significant role in the global electric vehicle market.

He stressed the necessity for Africa to harness its natural resources through sustainable industrialization, enhancing industrial competitiveness, and ensuring industrial sovereignty. The minister underscored the importance of transitioning to renewable energies and technologies, noting that renewable sources account for 45% of Morocco's energy mix, which reflects the country's commitment to sustainable development.

Mezzour expressed Morocco's readiness to share its expertise in these areas. He also highlighted that infrastructure deficits cost Africa approximately 2% of its annual GDP, advocating the creation of an AfCFTA Infrastructure Fund dedicated to financing essential projects such as ports, railways, and road networks to facilitate efficient market interconnection across the continent.

Cooperation with financial institutions like the African Development Bank and Casablanca Finance City can mobilize private capital to address these infrastructure gaps, he pointed out. Furthermore, he emphasized the need for inclusive agricultural strategies to counter climate change, ensuring that women and youth play pivotal roles in small and medium-sized enterprises thriving within the AfCFTA.

“Children in Africa deserve more than the borders left by colonization. They deserve a borderless Africa: united, prosperous, and proud,” Mezzour concluded.

Recently, Morocco was unanimously elected to preside over the 57th session of the ECA and the Conference of African Ministers of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development. This session, themed "Advancing the Implementation of the Agreement Establishing the African Continental Free Trade Area: Proposals for Transformative Strategic Actions," encompasses critical issues related to digitization, technology, food security, and energy transformation.

It is noteworthy that Morocco will host the 58th session of the ECA and the Conference of African Ministers of Finance in March 2026.