COMESA Member States Validate a Unified Investment Framework 02 April 2026, Lusaka, Zambia: The Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), in partnership with the UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD), convened a regional workshop with Seventeen Member States to validate the revised COMESA Common Investment Area (CCIA) Agreement, marking a significant milestone towards enhancing intra-regional investment and attracting foreign direct investment to the COMESA region, fostering economic growth and development. The two-day virtual workshop, held on 31 March and 1 April 2026, brought together senior officials and experts from COMESA Member States. The purpose of the workshop was to finalize the revised CCIA Agreement, a key framework designed to promote, protect, and facilitate investment across the COMESA region. Participants also reviewed the CCIA Implementation Handbook, a tool to support Member States in implementing the revised Agreement, developed in partnership with the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD). The revised CCIA Agreement establishes a robust framework for investment in the COMESA region, providing clarity on investor and state obligations, dispute settlement mechanisms, and provisions for the movement of capital and labour. This enhanced framework is expected to boost investor confidence, promote transparency, and position the region as a premier destination for sustainable investment. E. Ambassador Dr. Mohamed Kadah, Assistant Secretary General for Programmes at the COMESA Secretariat, officially opened the workshop, expressing gratitude to UNCTAD and IISD for their technical support in developing the CCIA Agreement and Implementation Handbook. “This Agreement is a true reflection of the region’s vision for sustainable socio-economic development, regional integration, and prosperity, and under COMESA’s commitment for fostering an investment-friendly environment,”. Ambassador Kadah also emphasized the importance of related development partnerships as well as speedy finalization, adoption, and operationalization of the Agreement. The validated revised CCIA Agreement is a result of a thorough consultative process, including two validation workshops, demonstrating COMESA’s commitment to creating a modern, unified investment framework. This process reflects Member States’ shared commitment to accelerating investment-driven development through harmonized legal instruments. The revised CCIA Agreement and the CCIA Implementation Handbook will now be submitted to COMESA policy organs for endorsement, followed by ratification and domestication by Member States, paving the way for its implementation.

COMESA Member States Validate a Unified Investment Framework
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KT Clashes with Rwanda in 400-Billion-Won Telecom Arbitration KT’s venture in Rwanda, which began 12 years ago, has escalated into a legal dispute after accumulating losses of 400 billion won (approximately $266 million).

☎️ KT Clashes with Rwanda in 400-Billion-Won Telecom Arbitration
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🌍 How is Africa implementing its single market?

Trade is in focus today as the WTO Conference begins in Cameroon.

The #AfCFTA is supported by tools designed to make continental trade work in practice.

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🌍 How can Africa unlock its full trade potential?

As the #WTO Conference opens week, we look at how the #AfCFTA puts Africa’s trade potential in focus.

📘Learn more: https://bit.ly/4mEZuVP

S'Court Upholds Order For 9Mobile To Pay Investors $87.5m The Supreme Court of Nigeria has upheld a ruling directing Emerging Markets Telecommunications Services Limited , operators of 9Mobile,

Supreme Court Upholds Order for 9Mobile to Pay Investors $87.5m
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👉 TDM: African Continental Free Trade Agreement #AfCFTA (Vol. I, II, III): http://dlvr.it/TRgTzn

Claim against Spur in dispute with GPS Food increases to R233m
www.moneyweb.co.za/news/compani...

👉 TDM: African Continental Free Trade Agreement #AfCFTA (Vol. I, II, III):
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Mozambique: Negotiations with Kenmare seek better distribution of Moma titanium mine resources – govt The Mozambican Government on Friday denied the existence of a dispute with mining company Kenmare, which operates the Moma titanium mine, and said a contractual

Mozambique: Negotiations with Kenmare ...
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Angola invests $636m in border corridor to formalise trade under AfCFTA - Finance in Africa Angola has stepped up its regional trade ambitions with a $636 million investment in a new border corridor with the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Angola invests $636m in border corridor to formalise trade under AfCFTA
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👉 TDM: African Continental Free Trade Agreement #AfCFTA (Vol. I, II, III):
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🌍 #AfCFTA could boost intra-African trade by 45% and agri-food trade by 60%. But cross-border perishables need strong cold chains. ❄️Storage and 🚛refrigerated transport cut food loss, expand markets, and power Africa’s next growth era.
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KAP’s Safripol secures ruling in pricing dispute with Sasol Arbitrator addresses the pricing issue and awards recovery of legal costs to Safripol

KAP’s Safripol secures ruling in pricing dispute with Sasol
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Ghana to sign mega trade deal with China as full details emerge Ghana moves closer to a major zero tariff trade deal with China, a pact expected to boost exports, create jobs and deepen bilateral economic cooperation

Ghana to sign mega trade deal with China as full details emerge
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China says it won’t seek reciprocity with South Africa on zero-tariff policy Envoy makes the pledge as Beijing prepares to roll out tax-free access to the Chinese market for goods from 53 African nations.

China says it won't seek reciprocity with South Africa on zero-tariff policy
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Kenya Launches Digital Tools to Help Turn AfCFTA Deals Into Transactions BiasharaLink and Deal House aim to support AfCFTA implementation Platforms seek to turn African diplomatic missions into trade facilitators Fewer than 1% of 3,500 monthly trade requests lead to formal deals Kenya announced last week the launch of BiasharaLink and Deal House, two digital platforms designed to strengthen economic diplomacy...

Kenya Launches Digital Tools to Help Turn AfCFTA Deals Into Transactions
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China announces start date to tariff-free trade deal with Africa | The Citizen The deal excludes Eswatini, the only African country maintaining diplomatic ties with Taiwan.

China announces start date to tariff-free trade deal with Africa
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Continental Free Trade Area must benefit farmers – AfCFTA Secretary-General Wamkele Mene - MyJoyOnline Secretary-General of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat, Wamkele Mene says the agreement provides an extra-ordinary opportunity for Africa to add value to its agricultural pr...

I think trade plays an important - probably critical - role in food security. So I think a focus on improving trade, as well as improving agriculture, is part of the agenda to improve food security and end hunger. #afcfta www.myjoyonline.com/continental-...

Ghana, Zambia commit to strengthening trade ties, unlocking AfCFTA opportunities – Channel Africa Ghana and Zambia have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening long-standing bilateral relations, placing renewed emphasis on boosting intra-African trade and accelerating investment-led growth under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The commitment followed high‑level engagements between Ghana’s President John Dramani Mahama and Zambia’s President Hakainde Hichilema, where both leaders pledged to expand cooperation in trade, investment and value‑addition, while exploring new partnership opportunities aligned with AfCFTA priorities. The discussions come at a time when African economies are increasingly prioritising regional integration, industrialisation and economic resilience amid global uncertainty. Despite progress, only around 14 to 15% of Africa’s trade currently occurs within the continent, a figure significantly lower than intra‑regional trade in Europe, Asia or the Americas. Speaking to Channel Africa on Friday, Zambia‑based economist Trevor Hambayi said strengthening bilateral relations between African countries remains essential for unlocking the full potential of the AfCFTA. He described the presidential visit as strategically important, noting that Africa continues to trade more with Europe than with neighbouring states, a pattern that continues to undermine the continent’s ability to add value to its own resources. Hambayi said the decision by Ghana and Zambia to discuss easing visa requirements was particularly significant, arguing that free movement of people is an essential enabler of commerce, investment and knowledge exchange. Reducing travel barriers, he said, is an important step toward making intra‑African trade more seamless. Asked about the main structural barriers that have historically limited trade between the two countries, Hambayi pointed to chronic logistics constraints. Transport and freight infrastructure linking African economies has lagged behind infrastructure connecting the continent to international markets. While air connectivity has seen some improvement in recent years, land and sea freight routes remain underdeveloped or poorly integrated. He said such logistical gaps limit the flow of goods and raise transaction costs, making intra‑African trade more difficult than trading with distant markets. Hambayi added that agriculture, mining and manufacturing, all sectors identified in the new memoranda of understanding, represent immediate opportunities for expanding bilateral trade. He noted that agriculture remains Africa’s strongest resource base, given the continent’s vast arable land and abundant water bodies. Ghana’s dominant position in cocoa production, for example, offers opportunities for collaborative value‑addition industries that could help retain more economic gains within Africa. Mining represents another major opportunity, while tourism, supported by Africa’s rapidly growing population, expected to reach two billion by 2030, could become an important driver of domestic and regional markets. Turning to how Ghana and Zambia can ensure that AfCFTA agreements lead to tangible trade outcomes, Hambayi said infrastructure development must be prioritised. Improved road networks, efficient border management and enhanced air‑freight connections between West and Southern Africa would create the backbone for predictable, large‑scale trade flows. But he emphasised that such infrastructure cannot rely solely on government financing. Bilateral projects must include private‑sector partners capable of driving sustainable investment, reducing delays and improving cost efficiencies. Additionally, Hambayi said regulatory frameworks must become more practical and implementation‑focused. Agreements alone are not enough unless accompanied by harmonised customs procedures, predictable rules and transparent processes that make it easier for businesses to trade across borders. He noted that private‑sector involvement is critical not only in financing infrastructure but also in shaping operational systems that are commercially viable. Hambayi concluded that while the political will shown by Ghana and Zambia is encouraging, the success of their cooperation will depend on translating commitments into real, measurable trade flows. That requires decisive action to upgrade infrastructure, streamline processes and engage private investors across key sectors. If done effectively, he said, the partnership could serve as a model for how African countries can fully harness the AfCFTA to transform their economies and strengthen regional integration. –CHannelAfrica–

Ghana, Zambia commit to strengthening trade ties, unlocking AfCFTA opportunities
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Spotify – Web Player

A quick 8 minutes listen; #AfCFTA Africa’s flight path, navigating cost and connectivity open.spotify.com/episode/4hNpBr…

High Court Judge withdraws from Ksh.3B Kenya Breweries, contractor dispute A high-stakes commercial dispute involving billions of shillings has taken a fresh twist after High Court Judge Freda Mugambi recused herself from hearing a petition filed by Kenya Breweries Limited (KBL) seeking to halt Ksh.3 billion arbitration proceedings involving contractor JILK Construction Company Limited.

High Court Judge withdraws from Ksh.3B Kenya Breweries, contractor dispute
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Commercial Arbitration: Creation of the Algerian Dispute Resolution Center | Algerian Radio The Head of the Algiers Bar Association, Mohamed Baghdadi, announced on Saturday in Algiers the creation of the Algerian Dispute Resolution Center, aimed at strengthening national capacities in arbitration and mediation. This initiative was announced on the sidelines of the International Seminar themed "International Arbitration: Sovereignty and Alternative Dispute Resolution Methods," attended by government members and representatives of national bodies.

Commercial Arbitration: Creation of the Algerian Dispute Resolution Center
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AfCFTA Secretary General offers to assist Seychelles - ATC News by Prof. Dr. Wolfgang H. Thome (Posted 17th February 2026)   The need to address the logistical barriers African Island States face in transporting goods and services to the mainland was highlighted by Seychelles’ Vice President, Sebastien Pillay, in a meeting with Wamkele Mene, Secretary-General of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). State House said in a press release […]

atcnews.org/afcfta-secre...

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#AfCFTA

BREAKING NEWS: The recently concluded 39th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the AfricanUnion adopted the following eight (8) Annexes to the #AfCFTA Protocol on Intellectual Property Rights.

Japan Supports Unlocking Nigeria–Japan Trade and Investment under AfCFTA

Japan Supports Unlocking Nigeria-Japan Trade and Investment under AfCFTA
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Our Deputy Ambassador Ondrej Simek held fruitful discussions today on how #AfCFTA implementation can unlock Africa’s agrifood value chains. The EU remains committed to working with African partners to boost intra-African trade, investment, and access to global markets.

Liberia: Senate Rejects Boakai’s Request to De-ratify TIA Contract, Citing Costly Arbitration and Investment Risks - FrontPageAfrica Capitol Hill Monrovia – The Plenary of the Liberian Senate has rejected a request from President Joseph Nyuma Boakai to de-ratify the controversial Telecommunications Traffic Monitoring Agreement betw...

Liberia: Senate Rejects Boakai's Request to De-ratify TIA Contract, Citing Costly Arbitration and Investment Risks
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Rwanda launches air cargo export initiative for fresh farm produce Rwanda begins direct air cargo exports to West and Central Africa with a 17-tonne fruit and vegetable shipment from Kigali.

Rwanda has launched a new export initiative aimed at improving market access for its agricultural producers, with a focus on direct air cargo shipments to West and Central Africa.

#Rwanda #WestAfrica #CentralAfrica #NationalAgriculturalExportDevelopmentBoard #NAEB #aircargo #aircraft #AfCFTA

Intra-African trade, particularly in food, is far more extensive than official statistics show, according to new data. Large yet informal flows indicate that markets are more dynamic, and boosting regional commerce can enhance food security and growth. #AfricaTrade #AfCFTA

Statement from Ambassador Jamieson Greer on the Reauthorization of the African Growth and Opportunity Act WASHINGTON – Today, President Trump signed into law legislation that reauthorizes the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) trade preference program through December 31, 2026, with retroactive eff...

Statement from Ambassador Jamieson Greer on the Reauthorization of the African Growth and Opportunity Act
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AfCFTA member states advance digital trade integration The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) concluded its Tenth Meeting of the Committee on Digital Trade in Nairobi, marking four days of substantive discussions aimed at accelerating implementation of the AfCFTA Protocol on Digital Trade across the continent. Member states engaged in detailed discussion on critical priority areas including cross-border payments, data transfers, digital public infrastructure, and national digital identity systems, reinforcing the foundations of a trusted and integrated African digital market. Building a Continental Digital Framework The AfCFTA Protocol on Digital Trade establishes a continent-wide legal framework designed to facilitate inclusive, secure, and seamless cross-border trade across African countries. The Nairobi meeting focused on translating this framework into practical implementation strategies that can unlock opportunities for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across the continent. During the four-day engagement, Member States examined how interoperability, trust, and simplification of digital trade processes can remove barriers and create new economic opportunities. Discussions centred on harmonizing approaches to digital infrastructure, ensuring data flows across borders while maintaining security and privacy standards, and establishing interconnected payment systems that facilitate trade. Practical Country Experiences Tunisia, Zambia, Senegal, Uganda, Togo, and Angola shared practical experiences in implementing the Digital Trade Protocol, providing valuable insights from their national contexts. These country presentations demonstrated concrete progress in areas such as digital identity systems, payment infrastructure, and regulatory frameworks that support cross-border digital commerce. The exchange of experiences highlighted both successes and challenges in operationalizing digital trade provisions, offering Member States opportunities to learn from one another’s approaches. Countries discussed technical solutions, policy innovations, and strategies for building digital capacity that can serve as models for continental implementation. Focus on MSMEs and Inclusion A key theme throughout the meeting was ensuring that Africa’s digital economy remains inclusive, with particular attention to creating opportunities for MSMEs. Participants explored how simplified digital trade processes, interoperable systems, and accessible digital infrastructure can enable smaller enterprises to participate in cross-border commerce and access larger markets across the continent. The discussions emphasised that digital trade is not merely about technology, but about economic transformation that reaches businesses of all sizes. By reducing complexity and building trust in digital transactions, the Protocol aims to democratize access to continental markets. Growing Momentum Toward Implementation The Tenth Committee Meeting reflects growing momentum toward a fully operational and inclusive African digital economy. With substantive progress on technical standards, regulatory harmonisation, and practical implementation strategies, Member States are advancing from policy development to concrete action. The engagement in Nairobi builds on previous committee meetings and demonstrates increasing coordination among African countries in establishing the infrastructure, systems, and policies necessary for seamless digital trade across the continent’s 55 nations. Next Steps The outcomes and recommendations from the Nairobi meeting will inform ongoing efforts to operationalize the Digital Trade Protocol. Member States will continue work on harmonizing digital trade regulations, enhancing interoperability of digital systems, and building capacity for implementation at national and regional levels. The AfCFTA Secretariat will support Member States in translating the insights and commitments from Nairobi into tangible progress toward an integrated African digital market that serves businesses, consumers, and economies across the continent. As Africa moves toward full implementation of the AfCFTA, digital trade represents a critical pillar for economic integration one that can leapfrog traditional barriers and create new opportunities for the continent’s 1.3 billion people.

AfCFTA member states advance digital trade integration
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Joint Statement of the United States and African Union on the Launch of a Strategic Investment Working Group - United States Department of State The following joint statement was released by the Government of the United States of America and the African Union Commission on the occasion of today’s agreement to establish a Strategic Investment W...

Joint Statement of the United States and African Union on the Launch of a Strategic Investment Working Group
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