In support of Africa’s economic integration and the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), Engineer Hassan El-Khayat, Egypt’s Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade, chaired a supplementary virtual session of the 17th African Ministers of Trade Council. The meeting included AfCFTA Secretary-General Wamkele Mene and representatives from member states. nThe session resumed discussions from the previous ministerial round held in Cairo in September, focusing on pending issues to accelerate the agreement’s execution and strengthen Africa’s position in global trade. As current chair of the council, Egypt reiterated its commitment to unifying regional trade policies and advancing a common market that boosts growth, competitiveness, and investment. nKey outcomes included consensus on finalizing rules of origin for textiles and apparel, with a proposed ministerial directive to be adopted. This agreement reflects shared political will to make tangible progress, with flexible rules designed to support local manufacturing and regional value chains. nThe meeting also reviewed the Intellectual Property Rights Protocol, with the ninth committee reporting completion of eight annexes covering trademarks, patents, industrial designs, and traditional knowledge—set for ministerial approval and submission to the upcoming African Union summit. Egypt voiced full support, noting its role in fostering innovation and improving the continent’s investment climate. nFinancial matters concerning the AfCFTA secretariat were discussed, along with a proposal by the Secretary-General to increase tariff liberalization to 97% of tariff lines by 2027. Egypt stressed the need for technical committee reviews prior to ministerial adoption, to assess economic impacts and safeguard member states’ industrial development interests. nMinister El-Khayat expressed appreciation for Secretary-General Mene’s leadership and thanked participating nations for constructive dialogue. He affirmed Egypt’s ongoing coordination with African partners to deepen economic integration and boost intra-African trade for sustainable development. nParticipants welcomed progress on outstanding negotiation items, which will be submitted to the next AU summit for formal adoption. The Ministry of Investment and Foreign Trade will monitor implementation of meeting recommendations in collaboration with the secretariat and member states, in line with Egypt’s vision for a unified, equitable, and partnership-based African economy. n— news from elmwatin.com
