Djibouti, July 5, 2024 (ECA) - The Republic of Djibouti's geographic and strategic position makes regional integration and trade essential components of its economic growth and resilience. The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), with its stated benefits of market opening, economic diversification, improved competitiveness, promotion of regional value chains and attraction of African and international investment, can make a substantial contribution to this.
However, to benefit from these opportunities, an optimal implementation strategy is crucial, as countries need to strengthen their ability to trade in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Agreement. This also requires strong political determination, sustained improvement in institutional skills and infrastructure, full involvement of all stakeholders and constant enhancement of technical skills.
The Republic of Djibouti ratified the ZLECAf agreement in May 2022. Moreover, in its efforts to implement the agreement, the country has already developed, with the support of the ECA, a National Implementation Strategy with clear and detailed action plans, including capacity building for stakeholders representing both the public and private sectors.
Taking this into account, the Government of Djibouti, in collaboration with the ECA, is planning to hold a national workshop in Djibouti from July 9 to 11, 2024, to improve the understanding of the various stakeholders of the rules, instruments, procedures and opportunities for trade and investment in the context of the AfCFTA.
The main aim of the workshop is to better equip the private sector and future members of the National Committee on the essential components and operational aspects of the Agreement.
In addition, the workshop will build capacity while providing strategic advice, identifying best practices, encouraging experience sharing and proposing concrete recommendations for the private sector and the National Committee in the context of optimal implementation of the AfCFTA in Djibouti.
Issued by:
Communications Section
Economic Commission for Africa
PO Box 3001
Addis Ababa
Ethiopia
Tel: +251 11 551 5826
E-mail: eca-info@un.org