Kenya has used the inaugural Alamein Africa Forum in Egypt to promote its trade and investment opportunities, with President William Ruto’s leadership in the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) presented as part of the country’s wider push to deepen economic ties across Africa.
Speaking at the forum, Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Musalia Mudavadi said Kenya remained committed to accelerating the implementation of AfCFTA, which he described as an important vehicle for industrialization, investment and economic integration across the continent.
“Through this partnership, and this platform, we strengthen collaboration between African Union institutions and the private sector as key drivers of the AU Agenda 2063. Together we shall shape Africa’s economic trajectory for the next decade,” stated Mudavadi
The forum, held in New Alamein, Egypt, brought together African leaders, government officials, businesses and financial institutions to discuss trade, investment and development opportunities. The inaugural event is being held from October 2 to 4.
Mudavadi Links Ruto’s AfCFTA Role to Kenya’s Trade Agenda
Mudavadi said Kenya’s commitment to AfCFTA was reinforced by Ruto’s role as Chair of the Assembly Committee on AfCFTA Implementation.
The committee is tasked with supporting efforts to advance the implementation of the continental trade agreement and address barriers that limit trade and economic integration among African countries.
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Ruto has previously called for AfCFTA to move from negotiations to practical implementation, arguing that greater integration of African markets can support industrialization, value addition and trade across the continent.
Mudavadi said the implementation framework provides an opportunity to strengthen regional value chains and create a more favorable environment for investment.
“The establishment of this Committee underscores the significance of African Continental Free Trade Area as a platform for accelerating industrialization, strengthening regional value chains and investment attraction,” Mudavadi said.
He also called for closer cooperation between governments and the private sector to unlock opportunities created by continental economic integration.
According to Mudavadi, stronger regional financial integration would help improve cross-border capital flows and strengthen economic links between African markets.
Kenya Pushes Regional Infrastructure and Digital Payments
Mudavadi added that African countries should invest in infrastructure that can make cross-border trade faster and more efficient.
He called for greater investment in regional transport corridors, cross-border digital payment systems and integrated energy grids, arguing that such infrastructure would help connect markets and support intra-African trade.
He also pointed to the impact of global geopolitical and trade tensions on African economies, saying the continent needed collective economic responses built around partnerships, policies and projects.
“These heightened trade and geopolitical tensions call for collective economic response, with partnerships, policies and projects that translate the vision of Agenda 2063 into tangible economic outcomes,” he said.
Also Read: What Ruto Secured at UNGA as Kenya Lands New AI, Energy and Trade Partnerships
Lamu Refinery Presented as Regional Investment Opportunity
Mudavadi further mentioned the recent groundbreaking of the East Africa Oil Refinery in Lamu as an example of how African-backed investments can support infrastructure development and economic growth across the continent
The project, hosted by Ruto on September 30, brought together African leaders, development institutions and business executives, including Aliko Dangote.
He said the refinery would support the development of the Lamu Port-South Sudan-Ethiopia Transport (LAPSSET) Corridor by improving connectivity between Kenya, Ethiopia and South Sudan while creating links to wider African markets.
Mudavadi further urged African countries to develop projects that connect national economies and support trade beyond individual borders.
What is AfCFTA?
The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is a continent-wide trade agreement created by African Union member states to establish a single market for goods and services across Africa.
It is one of the flagship projects of the African Union’s Agenda 2063 development framework and is designed to boost trade among African countries by reducing tariffs and other trade barriers.
AfCFTA brings together the 55 African Union member states, creating the world’s largest free trade area by number of participating countries.
The agreement seeks to make it easier for businesses to trade across borders, attract investment, strengthen regional value chains and support industrial growth across the continent.
The agreement was signed in Kigali, Rwanda, in March 2018, entered into force on May 30, 2019, and officially began trading under its framework on January 1, 2021.
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