FAO, AU Commission launch continent-wide framework to boost intra-African trade in agri commodities

The UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in collaboration with the African Union (AU) Commission launched a new continent-wide framework for boosting Intra-African trade in agricultural commodities and services.

The initiative, according to the UN agency, will not only help “unlock the potential” of the farming sector, but also promote the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement.

“The framework provides a timely catalyst for the transformation to more efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems, sustainable development and prosperity in Africa. A key priority is the pursuit of industrial transformation policies and programmes that support the private sector to add value to African exports, compete with imports from outside Africa and expand opportunities for job creation”, the UN food agency and the AU Commission said in a joint statement.

It must be mentioned here that the initiative covers a range of things, including trade policy, infrastructure, finance, market integration, among other things.