The Africa Business Forum 2025 wrapped up today at the Economic Commission for Africa’s (ECA) Africa Hall, marking a significant step toward unlocking the continent’s economic potential through enhanced regional value chains. This year’s event brought together a diverse range of participants, including heads of state, policymakers, private sector leaders, and experts, all focused on addressing key challenges and opportunities for Africa’s industrial growth.
In his closing remarks, Claver Gatete, the Under Secretary General and Executive Secretary of the ECA, stressed the urgency of leveraging the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to foster stronger regional value chains. He noted, “The AfCFTA is vital to accelerating our efforts in sectors such as agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and industrial production. We must push forward with its implementation to fully realize these opportunities.” Gatete also pointed to the need for enhanced cooperation among African nations to overcome the region’s disproportionately high trade costs, which remain significantly higher than those associated with external trade. “Reducing these barriers, improving infrastructure, and increasing value-added production are crucial steps toward a more competitive Africa,” he added.
The Forum also spotlighted several transformative initiatives and projects poised to drive Africa’s economic transformation. One prominent example highlighted by Mr. Gatete was the Africa Electric Vehicle project, which connects the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Zambia. This initiative, aimed at developing economic zones, enhancing transport infrastructure, and attracting private investments, exemplifies how such strategic projects can spur sustainable development.
A central theme of the Forum was the urgent need for increased investment in Africa’s industrial sectors. “With Africa’s debt currently standing at USD 1.21 trillion, we must unite debt partners from both the Paris Club and non-Paris Club countries, along with the private sector, to tackle this growing challenge,” Gatete emphasized. He reiterated that the AfCFTA plays a critical role in reducing costs and improving Africa’s global competitiveness.
The event also included a Presidential Dialogue, where key figures such as H.E. President Duma Gideon Boko of Botswana, H.E. President John Dramani Mahama of Ghana, and H.E. Mr. Alexandre Barro Chambrier, Deputy Prime Minister of Gabon, engaged in discussions about the importance of pan-African cooperation in activating regional value chains. Panels covering topics such as trade facilitation, financing, and technological innovation offered actionable insights into bridging investment gaps and unlocking the continent’s vast potential.
In closing, Gatete called on African governments and businesses to take ownership of the narrative surrounding African products. “We must shift the global perception of Africa and demonstrate that our products are not inferior or unfinished. They reflect our capabilities and vision for the future,” he stated.
The Forum concluded with a renewed commitment to strengthening regional integration, activating value chains, and driving industrialization. The spirit of collaboration that marked the event signals a promising future for Africa’s trade and industrial development, with the AfCFTA and strategic partnerships serving as catalysts for the continent’s economic transformation.
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