AfCFTA Gains Traction in Casablanca.

Thursday 24th July 2025

Por inAfrika Reporter

Casablanca recently hosted a strategic dialogue led by the African Development Bank and Casablanca Finance City to scale private sector engagement in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The event brought together major players in finance, infrastructure, and trade from across Africa to explore how to fully operationalize the $3.4 trillion AfCFTA market.

Africa’s intra-trade could grow by 52% by 2035, but this potential hinges on infrastructure, capital access, and regional policy coordination. The discussions emphasized the urgency of removing barriers to trade and enhancing regional value chains.

Key action points included the creation of a private-sector platform focused on four pillars: improving market access, bridging infrastructure gaps, advancing regional financial integration, and positioning business hubs as accelerators of AfCFTA.

Leaders like Lamia Merzouki and Joy Kategekwa emphasized the private sector’s critical role. Participants called for practical tools market data, entry guides, and directories of bankable projects to support businesses and investors alike. Casablanca’s dialogue ended not just in words, but with a call to action aimed at cementing Africa’s position in global trade.