The Sahrawi Republic has actively participated in the 15th Meeting of African Union (AU) Trade Ministers, held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on November 8, 2024.
The meeting, presided over by Tanzania, provided a platform for in-depth discussions on critical trade matters, particularly focusing on the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Represented by Minister of Commerce Ahmed Basharami Ammar, the Sahrawi delegation contributed significantly to the deliberations, which covered a wide range of topics such as the ongoing negotiations on rules of origin for goods, preferential market access regulations, and the inclusion of women and youth in trade.
The meeting also saw the endorsement of key projects, including the Protocol on Digital Trade and Investment, as well as the adoption of the Ministerial Code of Conduct and the approval of several annexes to the AfCFTA agreements.
The ministers unanimously approved the report from senior trade officials, marking a milestone in the marathon negotiations that resulted in a detailed framework aimed at regulating Africa’s markets.
This new model aims to unlock opportunities for growth and prosperity, fostering economic integration across the continent.
It emphasizes the creation of free trade zones, improved market access, and the facilitation of the free movement of goods and services.
The ultimate goal is to make Africa a global center of investment and trade.
The Sahrawi delegation, led by Minister Ammar, included key figures such as Al-Salik Amhamed Al-Mustafa, Director of the Ministry of Commerce, and Sergeant Abdallah, the media and cultural attaché at the Sahrawi embassy.
Their contributions were instrumental in the success of the meeting, and they held bilateral meetings with various African trade ministers to discuss ways to advance the continent’s trade agenda.
A highlight of the Sahrawi participation was a meeting with His Excellency Wamkele Mene, the Secretary-General of the AfCFTA Secretariat.
The discussions focused on the expansion of the free trade zone and the provision of support to member states for the swift implementation of the agreement’s terms and recommendations.
Minister Ammar expressed the Sahrawi Republic’s appreciation for the efforts of the AfCFTA Secretariat in fostering unity and prosperity across Africa.
The delegation also participated in several cultural and diplomatic exchanges, gaining insights into Ethiopia’s impressive development across various sectors.
This active engagement by the Sahrawi Republic underscores its commitment to regional integration and cooperation within the broader framework of African unity and economic development.
