PAMA Commends Angola for deepening continental trade integration through AfCFTA

The Pan-African Manufacturers Association (PAMA) has commended the Government of Angola for taking a decisive step toward deepening continental trade integration through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

The move follows the successful conclusion of the National Forum on the AfCFTA Implementation Strategy and Action Plan, convened by the Ministry of Industry and Commerce (MINDCOM) in collaboration with the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) and supported by the Government of Canada.

The two-day Forum held at the National School of Administration and Public Policy (ENAPP) in Luanda, brought together senior government officials, representatives from the private sector, academia, civil society, and development partners to chart Angola’s pathway to inclusive economic growth and industrial diversification under the AfCFTA framework.

In her remarks, Her Excellency Ms. Augusta de Carvalho Gando Frederico Fortes, Secretary of State for Commerce and Services, emphasized that President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, current Chairperson of the African Union, views the AfCFTA as a strategic lever for accelerating economic diversification and regional integration. She underscored the Lobito Corridor as a flagship initiative that links the Atlantic coast to the heart of the continent, positioning Angola as a logistics and industrial hub in Southern Africa.

Speaking on behalf of ECA, Ms. Eunice G. Kamwendo, Director of the Subregional Office for Southern Africa, hailed the Government and people of Angola for this milestone.

She reiterated ECA’s commitment to support Angola through the formulation and implementation of its AfCFTA Strategy and Action Plan.

“The AfCFTA is not just a trade pact but a strategic pathway for inclusive and sustainable development.

“The development of a National AfCFTA Strategy and Action Plan will shape Angola’s pathway toward becoming one of Africa’s leading economies, reflecting its commitment to the ideals of Pan-Africanism and the African Union’s Agenda 2063 — The Africa We Want.” Ms. Kamwendo said.

In a related development, Angola’s recent accession to the SADC Free Trade Area further strengthens its position as a credible actor in regional integration.

The ECA’s Economic Report on Africa 2025 underscores that industrialization, technological advancement, and private sector empowerment remain the core drivers of success under the AfCFTA.

Mr. Diego Zorrilla, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Angola, also commended the Government’s leadership and reaffirmed the UN’s continued support for AfCFTA implementation.

He emphasized that Angola’s success will depend on sustained reforms that enhance competitiveness, infrastructure, and productivity, as well as targeted support for MSMEs, women, and youth entrepreneurs in line with the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework’s (UNSDCF) Prosperity Pillar.

Representing the AfCFTA Secretariat, Mr. Gilberto António described the AfCFTA as a historic opportunity for Angola to diversify its economy and reduce its dependence on oil exports, noting that 49 African nations have already ratified the Agreement.

Meanwhile, H.E. Mr. Anderson Blanc, Ambassador Designate of Canada to Angola, reaffirmed Canada’s support for Africa’s industrial and trade transformation agenda under its new Africa Strategy, aligned with Agenda 2063.

He noted opportunities for expanded cooperation in trade, investment, energy, infrastructure, and the green transition.

PAMA opined that Angola’s approach can be described as a model for aligning national industrial policy with continental trade integration frameworks.

It acknowledged that Angola’s commitment to developing a national AfCFTA implementation strategy is a demonstration of visionary leadership, adding that it reflects an understanding that industrialization and trade liberalization must move in tandem for Africa to achieve inclusive growth.

PAMA affirmed that it strongly supports this process and encourages other member states to emulate Angola’s example by ensuring that manufacturers remain at the center of AfCFTA implementation strategies.

It stated further that Angola’s focus on infrastructure especially the Lobito Corridor will be pivotal in connecting industrial hubs, improving logistics efficiency, and enhancing intra-African trade in manufactured goods.

PAMA commends the Government of Angola for this decisive milestone and reaffirms its readiness to collaborate in advancing industrialization, value addition, and market integration across the continent under the AfCFTA.