Morocco reaffirms its firm commitment to Africa’s free trade area

Morocco has reaffirmed on Monday, during the 57th session of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) and the Conference of African Ministers of Finance, Planning and Economic Development in Addis Ababa, its unwavering commitment to the African continental free trade area (AfCFTA).

The commitment was renewed by Minister of Industry and Trade, Riyad Mezzour, who took the floor in his capacity as the president of the UNECA 57th session and the Conference of African Ministers of Finance, Planning and Economic Development.
AfCFTA is more than just a legal framework, it is one of the key pillars of Agenda 2063, promising job opportunities, dignity, and hope to the people of the continent, said Mezzour.

“AfCFTA is our generation’s challenge,” he said, calling for bold measures to better implement this agreement in a rapidly evolving global context.

The official, who recalled that since its return to the African Union in 2017, Morocco has acted as a bridge between North and South, between tradition and innovation, and between ambition and action, stressed that Africa must move beyond its role as a raw materials exporter and a consumer goods importer.

In this regard, he urged African countries to develop value chains in sectors where they are most competitive, noting that Morocco’s strategic industrial policies have enabled the Kingdom to position itself as a global hub for fertilizers, producing over 20% of the world’s fertilizer needs.

Morocco has also succeeded in establishing itself as Africa’s leading vehicle production center, he added.

Mezzour also stressed that Africa must benefit from its natural resources by developing sustainable industrialization, enhancing its industrial competitiveness, and ensuring its industrial sovereignty.

He also underscored the importance of a transition towards renewable energies and technologies. “AfCFTA must be green, inclusive, and fair,” he insisted, noting that renewable energies account for 45% of Morocco’s energy mix, which reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to sustainable development.

In this respect, the minister expressed Morocco’s readiness to share its expertise in the field.

Mezzour underscored that Morocco’s digital strategies have transformed public services and empowered start-ups, calling for these achievements to be expanded across the continent.

Morocco will host the 58th session of UNECA and the Conference of African Ministers of Finance, Planning and Economic Development in March 2026.