Catalyseur de la Zone de libre-échange africaine

Catalyst for the African free trade area

IATF 2025 Algeria

The intra-African trade fair (IATF 2025), planned in Algiers from September 4 to 10, constitutes a decisive catalyst for the implementation of the African continental free trade area (ZLECAF), have said to the APS several Pan-African employers’ organizations, stressing the role of Algeria in the acceleration of the economic integration of the continent.
In this context, the Executive Director of the Pan -African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Pan African Chamber of Commerce and Industry -Pacci), Kebour Ghenna, qualified the IATF as “unique experience”, offering a concrete space where African buyers and sellers can conclude business and thus contribute to the strengthening of intra -continental exchanges.
Recalling the role of Algeria in the acceleration of the implementation of the ZLECAF, Mr. Ghenna considered that the efforts made for the preparation of this fair reflect the firm commitment of the country in favor of African integration.
“By welcoming the IATF 2025, Algeria clearly demonstrates its desire to be a central player,” he said, stressing that “the importance of the means mobilized for the organization of the event reflects a long-term vision: making Algeria a regional platform where Africa meets to trade and invest”.
Regarding the PACCI’s participation in this event, its executive director recalled that the organization, based in Addis Ababa, had taken part in the three previous editions of the IATF. But for the first time, she will have in Algiers on her own pavilion, dedicated to the presentation of her flagship initiatives: the hearings of the African private sector (APSH), programs in favor of SMEs, work on climate finance as well as projects to digitize chambers of commerce.
Mr. Ghenna said he was optimistic about the boom in the Zlecaf, despite the obstacles that still slow down intra-African trade, citing tariff and non-tariff barriers, logistical difficulties, the absence of adapted funding for SMEs, as well as the slowness of administrative reforms.
“With the new generation of African citizens, confidence will grow and we will evolve towards a continental market open to exchanges, investments and free movement,” he said.
For its part, the executive director of the Pan-African association of small and medium-sized enterprises (All Africa Association for Small & Medium Enterprises-Aaasme), Jacinta Kiruthi, estimated that “IATF 2025 promises to be a reference event, which will not be content to capitalize on the momentum of previous editions, but will also play a pivot role in the acceleration of economic integration of the continent and the boom in intra-African trade within the framework of the ZLECAF ”. According to her, this event will offer African companies new opportunities to connect, collaborate and promote their products beyond national borders.
Agency