By Chantelle Muzanenhamo
Beitbridge – Zimbabwe’s ratification of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is a milestone that positions Zimbabwe as the 23rd country to embrace the AfCFTA, a trade agreement that aims to create a single market for goods and services across Africa.
During a recent training session for journalists and border agencies on the AfCFTA in Beitbridge, Chinyaradzo Phiri, the Director for the Competition and Tariffs Commission, emphasized the long-term benefits of the agreement.
“The AfCFTA represents a transformative step for Africa, aiming to create a unified economic space that can drive growth, development, and prosperity across the continent,” she stated.
The AfCFTA is a flagship initiative of the African Union’s Agenda 2063, which seeks to promote trade liberalization across the continent.
Lilian Musaradenga from ZIMRE highlighted the importance of meeting the rules of origin for products to qualify for preferential tariff treatment.
“All products that meet the requirements of the AfCFTA rules of origin shall qualify for preferential tariff treatment when they are traded within AfCFTA,” she explained.
Furthermore, Tarcicious Mufundisi noted that Zimbabwe is making strides towards full participation in the AfCFTA.
“Zimbabwe has submitted its provisional schedule of tariff concessions, already technically approved and awaiting summit approval,” he said.
As Zimbabwe continues to navigate its path within the AfCFTA framework, the nation is poised to benefit from increased trade opportunities and economic growth, reinforcing its commitment to regional integration and development.
The AfCFTA, established in 2018, is recognized as the largest free trade area in the world in terms of the number of participating countries. To date, 53 out of 54 African countries have signed the agreement, reflecting a strong commitment among African nations to enhance trade and economic cooperation.