Addis Ababa, Ethiopia — February 14, 2025 – The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) hosted a timbuktoo roundtable on Policy Harmonization, Trade Infrastructure, and Domestic Capital on the margins of the 38th Ordinary session of the African Union Assembly  to push forward the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement as a key mechanism for accelerating economic integration.  

The dialogue brought together leading African voices including Ms. Ahunna Eziakonwa, Director, UNDP Bureau for Africa, Mr. Wamkele Mene, Secretary General, Africa Free Continental Trade Area (AfCFTA), and Ms. Nnenna Nwabufor, Vice President of Regional Integration of the African Development Bank Group, to interrogate the nexus between trade, investment, technology, and policy. 

Attended by key players in the African development space, the occasion presented an opportunity to dive deep into the role of policy harmonization as a critical enabler for effective policy articulation and activation, and why the continent must continue to invest in its greatest assets, the youth. 

"This is the moment for Africa to make a very clear decision about how it’s going to take care of its own. We know that without regional integration, the ability to trade within itself, the use of emerging technologies, and the empowerment of Africa’s youth, the continent will not move forward. Talent alone is not enough; it needs the fertile ground of the right policy environment to thrive,." said Ahunna Eziakonwa, emphasizing the importance of collaboration across sectors and borders on initiative such as timbuktoo. 

In emphasizing the need for policies that contribute to Africa’s digital economy and infrastructure, H.E. Wamkele Mene emphasized that, "the AfCFTA’s Protocol on Digital Trade which was adopted in 2024 is a game-changer for Africa’s digital economy. By eliminating customs duties, creating strong digital identities, and enabling seamless cross-border payments and data transfers, AfCFTA is addressing the very challenges that limit SMEs and entrepreneurs. This is our opportunity to unify Africa’s digital economy and unlock its full potential."   

During the dialogue, Vice President Nnenna Nwabufo of AfDB emphasized the critical role of finance, infrastructure, and digitalization in achieving regional integration, and explained how AfDB is actively addressing these areas. She emphasized that regional integration is critical, stating, “The AfCFTA is set to drive industrialization, boost jobs, and unlock opportunities for women and youth. By working together, we can harness our collective strengths and secure funding for impactful regional integration”  

Policymakers agreed in principle on the importance of leveraging these protocols to enhance intra-Africa trade, promote entrepreneurship, and address infrastructure challenges. 

With the commitment to advancing policy harmonization and AfCFTA protocols, the timbuktoo roundtable on Policy Harmonization, Trade Infrastructure, and Domestic Capital set the stage for accelerated action on Africa’s continental integration, unlocking new opportunities for innovation, trade, and youth empowerment. 

About timbuktoo: 

timbuktoo is the world’s largest initiative supporting Africa's innovation ecosystem. With ten thematic hubs across the continent, timbuktoo provides resources, expertise, and funding to young entrepreneurs to accelerate their impact. Guided by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), timbuktoo’s vision is to empower Africa’s youth to lead the next wave of global innovation in sectors such as HealthTech, MineTech, Agritech, Fintech, ClimateTech, ManuTech, and more. 

For more information, visit timbuktoo Africa. 

About UNDP: 

UNDP works in nearly 170 countries and territories, helping to achieve the eradication of poverty, and the reduction of inequalities and exclusion. In Africa, UNDP supports 46 countries in accelerating the achievement of the sustainable development goals (SDGs). Guided by the principle that Africa is not homogenous, UNDP's Renewed Strategic Offer in Africa is a premier ENABLER and INTEGRATOR for the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda and the African Union's Agenda 2063. For more information, visit https://www.undp.org/africa.   

Media Contacts:
 

Ngele Ali
 

Regional Communications Advisor, UNDP Africa
 

Ngele.Ali@undp.org
 

Tel: +251 9010 00962 

Oluwagbemisola Fagbemi  

Communications and liaison Officer, UNDP Africa  

 Oluwagbemisola.Fagbemi@undp.org