President Paul Kagame today opened the Biashara Afrika 2024 Forum in Kigali, calling for the removal of trade barriers across Africa to facilitate the full implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Speaking to an audience of leaders, policymakers, and business stakeholders, Kagame emphasized the need for reducing or eliminating tariffs on goods traded between African countries.
“Governments should continue to do their part in creating an enabling environment for business. Removing tariffs on goods within the common African market will help facilitate cross-border trade,” President Kagame stated.
He noted that easing these restrictions is critical to achieving seamless movement of goods across the continent, which is vital for intra-African trade to thrive.
“The journey to establish the world’s largest free trade area began here in Kigali, six years ago. One year later in Niamey, the operational phase of AfCFTA was launched. These two historic moments demonstrate our commitment to the economic unity and prosperity of Africa,” he added, noting the significance of the AfCFTA initiative.
The Biashara Afrika 2024 Forum, hosted at the Kigali Convention Center, brings together key figures from across the continent, including Wamkele Mene, Secretary General of the AfCFTA Secretariat, and Dr. Jean Kaseya, Director General of Africa CDC.
The forum is focused on building regional value chains and establishing reliable supply networks under the theme, “Dare to Invent the Future of the AfCFTA.”
Kagame also addressed the ongoing public health challenges, particularly Rwanda’s response to the Marburg virus outbreak. He expressed his appreciation for Africa CDC’s support in helping Rwanda tackle the epidemic, reassuring attendees of the nation’s ongoing efforts to curb the virus. “I want to thank all of you for being here, and assure you that Rwanda is doing everything possible to fight this virus,” Kagame said.
AfCFTA, the largest free trade agreement in the world, was signed in Kigali in 2018 during Kagame’s tenure as Chair of the African Union. The agreement, which involves 54 African nations, is aimed at increasing intra-African trade by lowering tariffs on 90% of goods, fostering the movement of people and goods, and creating a single African market.
The World Bank estimates that the agreement has the potential to lift 30 million people out of poverty and boost Africa’s income by US$450 billion by 2035.
Kagame highlighted the importance of adaptability in a rapidly changing global landscape. “We now live in a complex and ever-changing world. But there are a lot of opportunities for us to take advantage of. As a continent, how well we adapt will depend on how strongly connected we are and on the value we add to our collective wealth,” he stated.
Kagame underscored that while Africa’s integration process is underway, more needs to be done. “The good news is that integration in Africa is ongoing, and already, we can see positive results,” he said, emphasizing that harmonizing economic policies across African countries is essential to making this vision a reality.
Dr. Jean Kaseya, Director General of Africa CDC, also praised Rwanda’s proactive approach during his remarks at the forum. “Biashara Afrika 2024 was conceived as a strategic moment to rethink the future of Africa and AfCFTA, and the way to unlock intra-Africa trade,” Dr. Kaseya said. He noted, “I am impressed by Rwanda’s swift, proactive response to health challenges, which serves as a model for other countries.” He also reiterated Africa CDC’s commitment to safeguarding lives and stopping the spread of diseases, including Mpox and Marburg.
In his address, President Kagame reiterated the importance of solidarity among African nations, noting that the continent’s shared culture and history should be leveraged to foster stronger economic cooperation. “As Africans, we are brothers and sisters, sharing common values and a shared continent. This connection should make it easier for us to trade and work together,” he added.
On a broader scale, Kagame reminded the audience that Africa’s survival and progress in a rapidly changing global economy depend on closer cooperation among its countries. While he acknowledged the progress made so far, he stressed the need for more concerted efforts to strengthen these partnerships.
Rwanda’s Minister of Trade and Industry, Prudence Sebahizi, also addressed the forum, pointing out that trade cooperation can serve as a stabilizing factor for African nations. “When countries trade together, conflicts become less likely, and when they do arise, they are resolved more quickly,” he said.
The three-day Biashara Afrika 2024 Forum marks the second time the event is being held, focusing on fast-tracking the implementation of AfCFTA and driving Africa’s economic transformation.