The 39th and 27th sessions of the Intergovernmental Committees of Senior Officials and Experts (ICSOE) for North and West Africa began on Tuesday in Rabat, aiming to strengthen regional integration and economic resilience. Representatives from 22 countries gathered to discuss accelerating the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) through digital transformation and economic diversification.
The three-day event, organized by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), brings together policymakers, development partners, and private sector stakeholders. Participants will evaluate the economic and social progress in North and West Africa, review last year’s achievements, and set priorities for 2025.
Abdellah Ben Mellouk, representing Morocco’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs at the event, highlighted the importance of industrialization, improved trade infrastructure, and enhanced local production capacities for advancing AfCFTA’s goals. Ben Mellouk stressed that fostering regional economic ties requires political will and investment in value-added industries to reduce reliance on imports, Morocco’s Press Agency (MAP) wrote.
Nathalie Fustier, UN Resident Coordinator in Morocco, outlined the potential of AfCFTA to boost productivity and create unified African markets. Fustier underscored the role of digital tools in streamlining trade processes and empowering small businesses across the continent.
Investing in technology and reducing trade barriers can make AfCFTA a cornerstone for inclusive growth.
The sessions include discussions on economic trends in the regions and reviews of development programs. Recommendations will be crafted to align with 2030 Agenda and 2063 Agenda while addressing current challenges.