The successful implementation of the AfCFTA calls for urgent action to drive reforms at all levels of government, according to the ECA’s Economic Report on Africa (ERA) launched during the Conference of Ministers of Finance, Planning and Economic Development – COM 2025.

The report calls for targeted industrial policies, investment in productive capacity, and support for SMEs. This will help Africa to develop robust value chains in key sectors such as agro-processing, automotive, pharmaceuticals and renewable energy.

Governments must also streamline customs procedures and adopt digital technologies, such as blockchain and electronic data processing, to reduce trade costs and improve efficiency.

This underlines the need for increased investments in digital infrastructure such as broadband networks, data centres, and internet exchange points.

Advancing the free movement of people, goods and capital across borders will be supported by initiatives like the Single African Air Transport Market and the Pan-African Payments and Settlement System.

Investing in sustainable urban development to manage the challenges of rapid urbanization is another strategic imperative for policymakers.

In her presentation on the report, Hanan Morsy, ECA Deputy Executive Secretary and Chief Economist, challenged leaders to think critically about the AfCFTA’s social dimensions.