Validation Workshop on the AfCFTA National Implementation Strategy Kicks Off in at the Cape Hotel, Mama Point, Monrovia, Liberia
Monrovia, Liberia - The three-day Validation Workshop on the National Implementation Strategy of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) for Liberia officially commenced from July 15 to July 17, 2024. 

Sponsored by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), the workshop aimed to align Liberia’s AfCFTA National Implementation Strategy with regional and continental frameworks and gather valuable inputs and feedback from national stakeholders.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Deputy Minister for Commerce and Trade, Wilmot A. Reeves, hailed his team and the UNECA for organizing the workshop and described it as a significant milestone in Liberia’s collective efforts to harness the potential of the AfCFTA for driving sustainable economic growth, industrialization, and development.

Deputy Minister Reeves emphasized that the AfCFTA represents a transformative opportunity for the African continent.

Representing the Minister of Commerce and Industry, Amin Modad, Deputy Minister Reeves highlighted that the AfCFTA is a powerful instrument with the potential to revolutionize African economies by promoting deeper integration, enhancing trade and investment, and fostering economic transformation.

He noted that the AfCFTA agreement provides an opportunity to align Liberia’s development aspirations with broader continental objectives, thus creating an enabling environment for sustainable growth and prosperity.

He told the gathering that “This strategy is designed to deepen Liberia’s integration into the African and global economies. It aims to expand our trade and investment opportunities, support policy reforms, and strengthen our institutions’ capacity to implement the AfCFTA effectively.”

He also outlined one of the recommendations in the draft strategy that relates to the establishment of the Liberia AfCFTA Implementation Committee (LAIC) within the Ministry of Commerce and Industry as a key strategic action. The LAIC will play a pivotal role in coordinating with other sectors, tracking the implementation of the strategy, and monitoring, reporting, and evaluating progress.

Deputy Minister Reeves noted that the National AfCFTA Implementation Strategy, currently being validated, demonstrates Liberia’s commitment to the AfCFTA. 

He also revealed that the Liberian government’s ARREST agenda, focusing on Agriculture, Roads, Rule of Law, Education, Sanitation/Health, and Tourism/Trade, is intricately linked with the AfCFTA strategy.

Assuring participants and partners, Deputy Minister Reeves stated that the Ministry would ensure a robust institutional and policy framework in Liberia to oversee the successful implementation of the AfCFTA.

He commended UNECA and other partners, as well as participants, for their collaborative efforts since the inception of the drafting process of the AfCFTA implementation strategy.