The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) has convened a four-day consultative engagement with legal and trade experts to strategize on unifying the ratification process for its Phase II protocols. Phase II of AfCFTA negotiations focuses on investment, intellectual property rights, and competition policy. These areas are intended to complement Phase I, which focused on trade in goods and services. The meeting aims to develop a comprehensive framework that considers national interests, resolves outstanding concerns, and ensures the full adoption of all protocols and annexes under the AfCFTA Agreement.
The high-level session is also a critical step toward addressing portions of the protocols that were not covered in earlier negotiations. By fostering clarity and inclusivity, the discussions seek to prevent selective implementation, ensuring that all Member States align with the agreement’s objectives.
The successful ratification and entry into force of the Phase II protocols will be essential in strengthening Africa’s economic integration, enhancing intra-African trade, and creating a unified market that benefits businesses and consumers across the continent.
The outcomes of this engagement are expected to provide a structured pathway for accelerated ratification, reinforcing the commitment of Member States to the AfCFTA’s vision of a seamless and fully integrated trade environment.
