Zimbabwe poised for AfCFTA gains.

Abstract

“Zimbabwe, having the second largest platinum and chrome deposits and 5th largest lithium in the world can attract investment capital across the Continent as the barriers to free trade and investments are deconstructed through the AfCFTA,” said Said Adejumobi, Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) Regional Director for Southern Africa. He made the remarks at the start of a two-day National Forum on the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) in Zimbabwe on June 19, 2019. Mr. Adejumobi stated that the goal of becoming an upper middle country by 2030 is attainable as macro-economic stability consolidates, the export base increases and the economy is diversified. The ECA official commended Zimbabwe for its bold step in ratifying the AfCFTA, which went into force on 30th May 2019 for the 24 countries that have deposited their instruments of ratification. On his part, Senior Expert on Rules of Origin, AfCFTA Support Unit, African Union Commission, Khauhelo Mawana, said that the AfCFTA National Forum is a very critical step in preparing private sector to do business in the AfCFTA. “We fully support your efforts in bringing together all players in trade to map out how they can benefit from this large market across the Continent”, he said.