Statement by Prof. Said Adejumobi, Director of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, Southern Africa Office, Lusaka, Zambia : at the opening of the National Consultative Forum on the Africa Continental Free Trade Area

Abstract

The speech focuses at the opening of the National Consultative Forum on the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The AfCFTA is one of the flagship projects of Agenda 2063, especially its 10-year Implementation Plan, which seeks to promote inclusive and sustained economic growth and accelerated economic development and integration in Africa. The AfCFTA also sits in tandem with key goals of Agenda 2030- the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This includes, goals 1 (ending poverty), 2 (zero hunger), 8 (decent work and economic growth), 9 (industry, innovation and infrastructure), 10 (reduced inequalities) and 12 (responsible production and consumption). Hence, the AfCFTA is a win- win situation for regional and global commitments of Zambia.