Signature of the cooperation agreement within the framework of the Zlecaf between the African Union and Germany

This Monday, February 22, 2021, the technical cooperation implementation agreement for the African Continental Free Trade Area (ZLECAF) between the African Union Commission and Germany was signed by the newly re-elected Commissioner at economic development, trade, industry and mining, HE Ambassador Albert Muchanga, in the presence of the German Ambassador to the African Union, Stephan Auer.

ZLFECAF is a flagship project of the African Union and, when implemented, it will create the largest free trade area in the world, measured by the number of participating countries, connecting 1.3 billion people in 54 country.

Since its launch in 2015, Germany has consistently supported the negotiations on the ZLECAF deal.

In the new phase of the "support for ZLECAF" program, total support amounts to 18.5 million euros and will target the continuation of negotiations as well as the start of the implementation of the commitments made within the framework of the 'agreement.

GIZ has extended its work from the continental level to the regional level and to that of the Member States. The program is now active in two regional economic communities, the EAC and ECOWAS, and in four target countries, Ethiopia, Ghana, Rwanda and Tunisia. The current phase will see its unfolding extend until January 2023.