ADDIS ABABA – Djibouti’s Minister of Trade and Tourism met with the President of the African Union Commission in Addis Ababa on Sunday, following his participation in the 18th session of the Council of Ministers of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) held in Abuja.
The meeting focused on advancing continental economic integration and assessing the progress of the AfCFTA agreement, which is considered one of Africa’s key frameworks for boosting intra-African trade and economic cooperation.
According to officials, the discussions reviewed outcomes from the Abuja ministerial session, including challenges facing the implementation of the trade agreement and opportunities for expanding economic growth across African states.
The two sides also exchanged views on the African Union Agenda 2063, emphasizing the importance of aligning Djibouti’s national development priorities with broader continental goals. These include trade facilitation, infrastructure development, industrial growth, manufacturing, and job creation.
The AU Commission leadership highlighted the need for stronger coordination among member states to ensure effective implementation of AfCFTA policies and to address logistical and regulatory barriers limiting intra-African trade.
On the sidelines of the Abuja meetings, the Djiboutian minister also held talks with the Secretary-General of the AfCFTA Secretariat, focusing on Djibouti’s strategic role in regional trade corridors and its long-term economic integration plans.
Officials say Djibouti aims to position itself as a key logistics and trade hub under the continental framework, leveraging its strategic location on the Red Sea.
