Luanda, Angola 23 June 2026 - The Republic of Angola today validated its national strategy and action plan for implementing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), marking a decisive step toward harnessing intra-African trade to accelerate the country's economic diversification and industrialization agenda.

"We gather here today at a decisive moment for Angola and for Africa. It is evident that the African Continental Free Trade Area is not merely a trade agreement, but the most ambitious economic integration project on our continent, embodying one of the objectives of Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want," said H.E. Rui Miguens de Oliveira, Minister of Industry and Commerce of the Republic of Angola. He added that Angola's abundant resources, young and dynamic population, and strategic location position the country to benefit significantly from expanded regional trade, but stressed that a clear, comprehensive and implementable strategy is essential to fully capitalise on these advantages.

The validation workshop, held in Luanda on 23 June 2026, was organised by the Ministry of Industry and Commerce (MINDCOM) with technical support from the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, led by Subregional Office for Southern Africa (ECA SRO-SA), in collaboration with the Africa Trade Policy Centre (ATPC), and with financial support from Global Affairs Canada.

The workshop presented and discussed the National AfCFTA Strategy and Action Plan for Angola, with participants focusing on priority interventions, institutional arrangements, and funding and technical partnerships needed for implementation. Key objectives of the plan include strengthening productive capacities, developing regional value chains, increasing participation of domestic firms in regional markets, and ensuring that benefits reach women, youth and other vulnerable groups.

"The successful implementation of this strategy will not only strengthen Angola's position in the regional market but also foster a more resilient and interconnected African economy," said Canadian Ambassador to Angola Anderson Blanc. He reaffirmed Canada's commitment to share lessons on building inclusive trade frameworks that benefit small and medium enterprises, with particular attention to women-led businesses.

Delivering the welcoming statement on behalf of ECA SRO-SA Director Ms Eunice G. Kamwendo, Economic Affairs Officer Ms Bineswaree Bolaky, technical lead and coordinator of ECA' support to the process, highlighted AfCFTA's potential as a development lever to support industrialization through trade. "The African private sector is intended to be the main beneficiary and the main driver of the AfCFTA process, supported by an enabling business environment and efficient state institutions responsive to the needs of the private sector," she said. "Strengthened dialogue, cooperation and coordination between governments and the private sector is essential, as is building the productive, institutional and human capacities required for success."

The ECA consultant, Mr Samuel Zita, presented the draft National AfCFTA Strategy and Action Plan, followed by a robust question-and-answer session. Discussions emphasised the central role of the private sector as a catalyst for successful implementation and the need for clear coordination mechanisms among government, the private sector and civil society to ensure inclusive, results-oriented delivery.

The validation workshop concluded a nationwide, inclusive and participatory consultation process carried out between September 2025 and June 2026. The process engaged government entities, private sector associations, academia, the Southern Africa Development Community and AfCFTA Secretariat, and development partners.

Next steps include finalisation of the Action Plan, establishment of coordination structures, and mobilisation of technical and financial support from national and international partners to begin phased implementation.

In her concluding remarks, Ms. Bineswaree Bolaky, Economic Affairs Officer, reiterated ECA's commitment to support the Government of Angola set up its National AfCFTA Implementation Committee as well as strengthen capacities of the private sector in Angola including women and youth-led businesses. She highlighted that currently ECA is supporting member states at developing AfCFTA Step-by-Step guides on trading in goods. In Southern Africa, Namibia and Zambia have been beneficiaries.

Notes to editors:

-AfCFTA was signed eight years ago in Kigali, Rwanda.

-The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) aims to create a single market for goods and services across Africa, boosting intra-African trade and supporting industrialisation and sustainable development.

-The validation workshop was funded by Global Affairs Canada and benefited from technical support by ECA SRO-SA and the ATPC.

Issued by:

The Sub-Regional Office for Southern Africa

UN Economic Commission for Africa (ECA)

P.O. Box 30647, Lusaka, Zambia.

Media Contacts:

Ms. Lavender Degre,

Communication Officer,

Tel: +260 211 228502/5 Ext. 21307

Email: [email protected]