Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, former Chairperson of the African Union Commission, describes the positive steps now being taken to integrate the African market, and welcomes the first phase of negotiations on the trade in goods and services.
The Continental Free Trade Area (CFTA) negotiations were launched on 15 June 2015, at the 25th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of African Union Heads of State and of Government, which took place in Johannesburg, South Africa. The launch of the CFTA negotiations is indisputably a key milestone in achieving growth and development in Africa. African Heads of State and of Government have taken a courageous step towards further integration of the continent.
The CFTA means, among other things, prosperity, job creation for youth, peace and security and agricultural development. Six of the 10 fastest growing economies in the world are in Africa, and the CFTA seeks to build a common African market – in addition to addressing the challenges of youth migration and endemic poverty…
*Statistics within article correct at original publication date of CHOGM 2015 Report.
Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma
Former Chairperson of the African Union Commission
