The first ZLECAF Business Forum took place on Tuesday in Casablanca bringing together leaders and officials from 12 African nations, including Secretary of State for Foreign Trade Omar Hejira and ZLECAF Secretary General Mene Wamkele Mene, to discuss strategies for advancing African economic integration and growth.
Hejira opened the forum by naming African cooperation as integral to Morocco’s foreign policy, stating that the forum was inspired by the King’s vision at the 28th African Union Summit in Addis Ababa, “Zawya” reported.
He highlighted that Morocco’s economic position in Africa enables it to promote shared prosperity across the continent.
The forum saw active participation from ministers, ambassadors, private sector leaders, and trade representatives from across Africa, reflecting a commitment to collaboration. Discussions were centered on ways to boost trade within Africa, encourage foreign investment, and create job opportunities for African citizens, all under a framework that prioritizes regional cooperation.
President of the Moroccan Association of Exporters (ASMEX), Hassan Sentissi El Idrissi, called ZLECAF a transformative opportunity, saying it is a gateway to jobs and sustainable growth across Africa. He underscored the need for African countries to unite their economic efforts, laying out logistics and sustainability as essential pillars for growth.
ZLECAF’s Secretary General praised Morocco’s role in promoting South-South cooperation in Africa, describing the forum as a step forward in strengthening Morocco’s socioeconomic connections with other African nations. He stated that Morocco’s role as a regional hub is vital for advancing trade and partnerships across the continent.
He proposed key initiatives, including a task force to support the implementation of ZLECAF, an Export-Import Guide for African trade, and a specialized body for African market expansion to increase trade opportunities.
The forum also featured sessions on market entry strategies, trade financing solutions, and policies for boosting intra-African trade, offering attendees practical insights and guidance to capitalize on ZLECAF’s framework for growth.
At the forum’s closing, Hejira announced that the next edition would be held in Marrakech, establishing it as an annual event.
The event concluded with a message of gratitude to King Mohammed VI, whose Royal Patronage contributed to the success of this inaugural forum and the deepening of Morocco’s ties within the continent.