Egypt reaffirmed its commitment to advancing Africa's economic integration as it hosted the 4th Ministerial Retreat of the Council of Ministers of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Ahead of the high-level events, Hassan El-Khatib, Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade, met with Wamkele Mene, Secretary-General of the AfCFTA Secretariat, in a closed session to review preparations and exchange views on priority areas for accelerating implementation. El-Khatib stressed Egypt's full support for translating the AfCFTA into a tangible reality that fosters sustainable development, boosts intra-African trade, and deepens integration in line with Africa's Agenda 2063. The gatherings, held in Cairo from 11–16 September, brought together ministers, senior officials, experts, and private sector representatives from across the continent. They served as a vital platform to strengthen public-private partnerships, encourage entrepreneurs and manufacturers, and expand trade opportunities that can open new horizons for growth and investment. In his opening address, El-Khatib highlighted Africa's abundant resources, strategic location, and youthful population, combined with a strong political will for integration. He described the retreat as a strategic milestone to convert these assets into a unified economic reality that enhances the continent's global competitiveness. The Minister outlined key priorities on the agenda, including addressing global geopolitical and economic shifts, accelerating completion of the African single market for goods and services, finalising outstanding rules of origin, and advancing industrial integration and value chains. He further emphasised the importance of digital transformation and electronic payment systems as essential tools to facilitate intra-African trade and attract investment. Concluding his remarks, El-Khatib reiterated Egypt's commitment, as Chair of the AfCFTA Council of Ministers, to supporting Africa's integration journey with its expertise and capabilities. He expressed confidence that the outcomes of the retreat would deliver concrete steps to fast-track the agreement's implementation, positioning Africa as a powerful global economic force and moving closer to the vision of a unified market that meets the aspirations of its people.
