During a press briefing held in Abidjan on 10 July 2019, President Alassane Ouattara emphasized that the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) represents a pivotal opportunity to enhance trade and stimulate the continent’s socio-economic development.
President Ouattara's remarks came after his return from Paris, following his participation in the 12th Extraordinary Summit of the African Union (AU) in Niamey, Niger, on 07 July 2019. This summit marked the launch of the operational phase of the AfCFTA Agreement, which is set to come into effect on 01 July 2020.
The Ivorian president underscored that it is intra-African trade—not external development aid—that will drive sustainable growth across the continent. He highlighted Côte d'Ivoire's leadership in this area, noting that the country boasts an intra-African trade rate 24%, significantly higher than the continental average of 7%. This strong figure, he noted, reflects Côte d'Ivoire’s dedication to fostering economic integration.
President Ouattara’s visit to Paris included discussions with French President Emmanuel Macron. The talks covered bilateral cooperation and regional concerns, such as the development of the Abidjan metro project and the establishment of a regional anti-terrorism academy in Jacqueville, Côte d'Ivoire.
CICG