Let’s redefine Africa and its future – Morsy 

She emphasized the significance of the gathered delegates, noting the presence of 524 delegates from 40 member states alongside key partners and organizations. “What a remarkable gathering it has been. We’ve witnessed a powerful exchange of ideas, diverse perspectives, and bold visions for Africa’s economic resurgence.”

“We stand at a crossroads,” Morsy said, highlighting the structural challenges facing Africa, including low levels of intra-African trade, persistent infrastructure gaps, and limited industrialization. While these obstacles are significant, she argued that they are not insurmountable “because alongside these challenges lie historic opportunities”. 

In a rapidly evolving global landscape shaped by shifting power dynamics and digital disruption, Africa must take a proactive role in shaping its future, with the African Continental Free Trade Area as a critical instrument. 

“It is our chance to redefine Africa’s economic standing, to amplify our voice on global issues, and to shape the rules of global trade and economic governance,” she said of the historic agreement. 

To achieve sustainable economic growth, Africa also must prioritize investments in local manufacturing and regional value chains, she urged. 

“We must invest in local manufacturing, create regional value chains, and process our resources right here at home – in pharmaceuticals, electric mobility, agribusiness, and beyond. That’s how we create jobs. That’s how we build prosperity that lasts.” 

Noting that the future of trade is digital, Morsy called for an enabling environment for digital innovation. “We must remove barriers to e-commerce, harmonize digital payment systems, and expedite the implementation of the AfCFTA Protocol on Digital Trade. Investing in digital infrastructure isn’t just smart—it’s essential,” she stressed.

Ahead of her speech, the recommendations and resolutions from the three days of deliberations were presented and accepted by the delegates, some of whom offered some amendments. 

In his closing remarks, incoming Bureau Chair Zakaria el Harmiri congratulated the delegates on their insightful deliberations and called for urgent actions to bring the ideas into fruition. “Given the environment of geopolitical instability and uncertainty as well as the new technologies and the challenges that are facing, we are sure that the AfCFTA will boost industrialization and ensure that we do work towards diversifying African economies,” he emphasised.