East African Community (EAC) Champions Harmonised Africa Resource Mobilisation Strategy as it assumes EAC-Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA)-Southern African Development Community (SADC) Tripartite Free Trade Area (TFTA) Leadership
The Secretary General observed that while the region has held various forums deliberating on strategies to pool resources for the continent, there is need for a harmonized and streamlined approach to deliver a common strategy. She emphasized the importance of coordinated action to unlock large-scale financing capable of advancing the goals of the African Union's Agenda 2063.
Hon. Nduva was speaking at a high-level roundtable convened by the African Union Development Agency-NEPAD, in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, on the sidelines of the 7th Mid-Year Coordination Meeting of the African Union, Regional Economic Communities (RECs) and Regional Mechanisms.
The meeting brought together the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, heads of African Union institutions, Regional Economic Communities, African Union Member States' representatives, development partners, and other key stakeholders to deliberate on how to fast-track the realization of Agenda 2063 through more effective and African-led resource mobilization.
The Secretary General advocated for blended financing that leverages public, private, and philanthropic capital. She urged greater involvement of African philanthropists and the private sector in defining and deepening their contributions.
'It is also critical that we consider the adoption of austerity measures to ensure that resources allocated for projects deliver the intended outcomes,' she stated.
Hon. Nduva further underscored the importance of integrating technology into all efforts to strengthen planning, coordination, and implementation.
Echoing this call for transformation, the AU Commission Chairperson,H.E. Youssouf stressed the urgency of moving away from donor dependency towards a model anchored in African ownership and alignment with the continent's priorities.
'As we prepare for the official launch of the Tripartite Free Trade Area (TFTA) Agreement during the 4th Tripartite Summit, it is essential that the key instruments critical to the operationalization of the TFTA are adopted by the next Meeting of the Tripartite Council of Ministers,' he emphasized.
At the same Summit, the EAC took over the Chairmanship of the COMESA-EAC-SADC Tripartite Task Force (TTF) from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) , for the next one year.The Tripartite Free Trade Area (TFTA) Agreement officially entered into force on 25 July 2024, having reached the required 14 ratifications by Member and Partner States. Preparations are now underway for its formal launch during the forthcoming 4th Tripartite Summit.
As a key building block of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the TFTA seeks to integrate the economies of the three regional blocs, eliminate trade barriers, ease the movement of goods, services and people and stimulate industrial growth across the region.
Hon. Nduva noted that the EAC will focus on advancing the finalization and exchange of tariff offers, completion and adoption of the rules of origin, ratification of the TFTA Agreement by the remaining Member/Partner States and ratification of the Tripartite Agreement on the movement of business and persons.
'We are committed to prioritizing the operationalization of the agreements made and the revival of the Industrial Development Pillar,' she stated.
Hon. Nduva also underscored the importance of strengthening the institutional framework around the TFTA, including the need for a dedicated Tripartite Secretariat to drive coordination and implementation.
'We see the Tripartite FTA as a strategic lever to deepen integration, enhance competitiveness, unlock intra-African trade and advance inclusive industrialization,' she added.
The meeting also explored options for mobilizing resources to support the TFTA's operations and activities.
The COMESA-EAC-SADC TFTA was first launched in June 2015 in Egypt by Heads of State and Government from the three blocs. It is anchored on three core pillars: market integration, infrastructure development and industrial development.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of East African Community (EAC).
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Zawya
an hour ago
- Zawya
Morocco: His Majesty (HM) the King Congratulates Sultan of Brunei Darussalam on Birthday
His Majesty King Mohammed VI has sent a message of congratulations to the Sultan of Brunei Darussalam, His Majesty Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, on the occasion of his birthday. In this message, His Majesty the King extends His warmest congratulations and sincere wishes for good health and happiness to the Sultan of Brunei Darussalam and his esteemed royal family, as well as for progress and prosperity to his brotherly people, under his wise leadership. The Sovereign takes pride in the brotherly bonds and mutual esteem that unite the two brotherly peoples, as well as in the strong ties of fruitful cooperation and solidarity between their two nations. His Majesty the King also reaffirms His firm resolve to continue working alongside HM Haji Hassanal Bolkiah to further elevate these relations to the highest level, in fulfillment of the shared aspirations of both peoples for greater prosperity and well-being. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Kingdom of Morocco - Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates.
Zawya
an hour ago
- Zawya
President El-Sisi Meets the Prime Minister, Minister of Supply, Minister of Agriculture
Today, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi held a meeting with Prime Minister Dr. Mostafa Madbouly, Minister of Supply and Internal Trade Dr. Sherif Farouk, Minister of Agriculture and Land Reclamation Alaa El-Din Farouk, and Executive Director of the 'Future of Egypt for Sustainable Development' Authority, Colonel Dr. Bahaa El-Ghanam. Spokesman for the Presidency, Ambassador Mohamed El-Shennawy, said that during the meeting the availability of strategic reserves of essential commodities, particularly wheat, sugar, oil, meat, and poultry was confirmed. It was stressed that Egypt's food security is in a stable and reassuring state. The meeting reviewed details pertaining to contracts for the purchase of strategic commodities. These included contracts for the acquisition of 3.4 million tons of wheat, 192,000 tons of crude oil, 4,000 tons of frozen poultry, and 6,000 tons of frozen meat. Furthermore, it was noted that the State seeks to diversify its sources for wheat imports to ensure the availability of adequate quantities and avoid potential crises. President El-Sisi stressed the importance of full coordination among all state bodies concerned with food security, so as to ensure harmony among these institutions, facilitate their effective implementation and confirm alignment with state policies. The meeting highlighted the importance of cooperation among the relevant state authorities and 'The Future of Egypt' Authority to designate the areas within the New Delta to be cultivated with strategic crops, thereby maximizing planted acreage and increasing the self-sufficiency rate. The meeting also discussed efforts underway to ensure the efficient operation of bakeries, mills, and markets and reviewed progress on the "One-Day Market" initiative. The first phase of the initiative was launched in November 2024 with 200 markets, and the second phase began in May 2025 with more than 200 additional markets. The discussion tackled efforts to establish partnerships with the private sector, attract foreign investments in the retail sector, and establish commercial chains in Obour City, Nasr City, and Qalyub. The meeting also reviewed the Ministry of Supply and Internal Trade's efforts and preparations to launch a government commercial chain under the name "Carry On", marking the first unified brand in partnership with the private sector. Furthermore, the meeting reviewed efforts exerted to develop internal trade and to refine the databases of government subsidy beneficiaries, ensuring that support reaches those who meet the relevant criteria and conditions. Additionally, the meeting included detailed discussions on food security, the operational status of the Commodity Exchange, and the government's efforts to activate it as a safeguard for markets and an effective price-regulation mechanism. This initiative is expected to boost food security and ensure the sustainable availability of essential goods at reasonable prices, balancing the interests of producers and consumers, while supporting the agricultural and industrial sectors. It was noted that exporters and importers have begun registering in the Commodity Exchange, which is set to become the unified platform for importing and exporting goods. A draft law is currently being prepared to regulate the exchange, drawing on legislation from other countries with similar systems. The meeting also reviewed the state's policies for growing and supplying strategic crops, efforts toward digital transformation and technological integration in agriculture, and strategies to reduce agricultural expenditures. The status of the fertilizer sector, particularly nitrates and urea was discussed, with a strong emphasis on implementing gradual and balanced reforms to protect farmers and ensure food security. Finally, the meeting focused on initiatives to improve agricultural land, adopt mechanization, and enhance the productivity of red meat and dairy sectors. President El-Sisi stressed the importance of improving local livestock breeds to increase their yield in both meat and milk production. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Presidency of the Arab Republic of Egypt.
Zawya
3 hours ago
- Zawya
American Tower Corporation (ATC) Nigeria Partners with ProFuturo Foundation to Transform Educational Landscape in Nigeria through Digital Innovation and Technology
The partnership is expected to directly benefit over 5,600 children and educators from 11 schools from three states in the country. This collaboration in Nigeria is a key part of a global partnership between American Tower and ProFuturo Foundation focused on reducing gaps in access, use and quality of educational resources in seven countries in Africa and Latin America. ATC Nigeria ( a leading provider of telecommunications infrastructure, and ProFuturo Foundation, a global initiative for educational innovation through technology, established by the Telefónica Foundation and the 'la Caixa' Foundation, are proud to announce their partnership with the Kukah Centre to collaborate under the ProFuturo Program in Nigeria. This collaboration will facilitate the distribution of kits, each one containing a computer, tablets, router, projector, and other essential components, which will enhance digital access and learning opportunities for students. Through its Digital Communities program, which provides digitally connected, technology-equipped spaces offering digital literacy and education for youth, financial education and vocational training for adults, and healthcare services, ATC Nigeria believes that this partnership with ProFuturo will reach youths and students across the country. The initiative and signing between ATC Nigeria and ProFuturo Foundation, where local authorities were present, underscores the commitment of both organizations to address the educational digital divide. Its goal is to enhance the understanding of vulnerable school contexts to promote innovative teaching practices more effectively and to strengthen the digital transformation of education. Pieter Van Der Westhuizen, CEO of ATC Nigeria, praised the initiative, stating: 'At ATC Nigeria, we are proud to support this impactful collaboration, which brings digital tools directly into classrooms. Through our collaboration with the ProFuturo Foundation, our Digital Communities program is expanding access to technology and equipping the next generation with the skills they need to thrive in a digital world.' Magdalena Brier, General Manager of ProFuturo Foundation, celebrates this agreement that "reinforces the commitment of the two organizations against the digital divide and the education gap. The alliance between ProFuturo Foundation and American Tower is a big step to improve educational opportunities for the most vulnerable. We are very honored with their support for what we have been doing since 2016 and I continually think about each of the teachers, boys and girls who will benefit, because, together, we are going to contribute to transform their lives." Initially focused on 11 schools in three States –Kano, Kebbi and Tarabata– the partnership is expected to directly benefit over 5,600 children and 34 teachers, even in areas with limited connectivity. By equipping schools with these kits, the initiative aims to bridge educational disparities generated by the digital divide. The kits are designed to enrich the learning experience, support interactive teaching methods, and provide students with access to a wealth of digital educational content. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of American Tower Corporation. Media Contacts: ATC Nigeria: Aderonke Adebanjo ProFuturo: Rafael Cobo Mobile: +34 647665488 About ATC Nigeria: ATC Nigeria is a subsidiary of American Tower Corporation, one of the largest global Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) and a leading independent owner, operator and developer of multi-tenant communications real estate. ATC Nigeria owns and operates over 8,600 telecommunications sites across the country, helping mobile network operators and other telecommunications service providers confidently deliver communications connectivity to consumers throughout Nigeria. For more information, visit: About ProFuturo Foundation: ProFuturo Foundation is an initiative of educational innovation with technology launched by Telefónica Foundation and "la Caixa" Foundation to reduce the educational gap in the world by providing quality education to children in vulnerable environments in Latin America, the Caribbean, Africa and Asia. Its intervention model is based on the evidence of impact provided by continuous monitoring processes, studies and evaluations. The ProFuturo program uses innovative teaching methodologies to help teachers and students develop competencies to face the challenges of the 21 st century. The program works with other institutions and companies and aims to create a large international network of teachers who teach, learn and share knowledge to achieve, together, a better education in the world.
