African Union Commission Chairperson calls for Accelerated Continental Integration at Ministerial Conference

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mars 17, 2025

H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), delivered a keynote speech today at the 15th Conference of African Ministers of Economy, Planning, and Economic Development, held in Addis Ababa from March 17-18, 2025. The conference, themed "Continental Integration: Pathways to Sustainable Development," brought together ministers, policymakers, and stakeholders to discuss strategies for advancing Africa’s economic integration and development.

In his address, H.E. Youssouf emphasized the importance of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as a cornerstone of Africa’s economic transformation. He highlighted the significant progress made since the AfCFTA’s launch, including trade facilitation measures, the finalization of rules of origin, and the establishment of AfCFTA trading companies in Ghana, Egypt, Rwanda, and Kenya. He also noted the adoption of key protocols, such as the AfCFTA Protocol on Digital Trade, which strengthens the legal framework for digital commerce across the continent.

The conference agenda featured three roundtables focusing on critical sub- themes:

1. The link between the AfCFTA and infrastructure development,
2. The promotion of cross-border instant payment systems and digital inclusion, and
3. Special economic zones as drivers of regional value chain development.

H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf underscored the need for African nations to address persistent challenges hindering integration, including insecurity, limited mobility of goods and people, low industrialization rates, poor infrastructure, and the electricity deficit. He cited the 2024 Africa Atlas, which revealed that 600 million Africans still lack access to electricity, exacerbating the digital divide and limiting internet penetration.

The AUC Chairperson called for the establishment of African financial institutions to support integration efforts and urged member states to prioritize sustainable funding for infrastructure and digital inclusion initiatives. He also emphasized the role of Regional Economic Communities (RECs) as pillars of continental development and stressed the importance of overcoming obstacles to trade and financial exchanges.

“The progress we have made is encouraging, but we must go further,” said H.E. Youssouf. “Our collective efforts must focus on removing barriers to integration and ensuring that Africa rises to master future technologies. This requires in-depth reflection and lasting solutions to the structural challenges we face.”

The conference concluded with a call to action for African leaders to deepen collaboration and accelerate the implementation of Agenda 2063, the African Union’s strategic framework for inclusive and sustainable development.

H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf expressed his gratitude to the outgoing Bureau of the Conference for their contributions and extended his best wishes to the incoming Bureau as they take on their new responsibilities.
For further information please contact:

1. Ms. Esther Azaa Tankou | Head, Media and Information Division, Communication Adviser, Permanent Observer Mission of the AU to the UN | Information and Communications Directorate | E- mail: yamboue@africa-uinon.org , Tel: +251911361185 / +1 3478127195 (WhatsApp)
2. Mr. Gamal Eldin Ahmed A. Karrar | Senior Communication Officer | Information and Communication Directorate (ICD), African Union Commission | E-mail: GamalK@africa-union.org