African business leaders gathered on Dec 11-12 in Marrakech for the second edition of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Business Forum, calling for bold measures to unlock the potential of the world’s largest free trade project.
Speaking at the event, Vice President of Morocco’s employers federation (CGEM) Mehdi Tazi stressed the forum’s strategic importance as Africa undergoes rapid demographic and urban transformation, driving demand for infrastructure, industrial goods, modern services and jobs.
Despite this growth, intra-African trade remains below 15%, he said, underscoring the need for deeper integration.
Tazi outlined key priorities to make AfCFTA a success: expanding logistics and energy infrastructure, creating financing tools for SMEs, bridging the digital gap, promoting free movement of people, strengthening skills and improving communication on trade opportunities.
He praised King Mohammed VI’s vision of African integration, noting Morocco’s strong position as a regional hub thanks to its transport networks, financial presence in 26 countries and robust investment ecosystem. CGEM pledged to work with African business associations and global partners to drive industrial projects and foster co-development.
The forum aims to accelerate regional value chains and build a competitive “Made in Africa” economy, offering new prospects for the continent’s growing youth population.