## About us


### Launched during the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2022, the Forum Friends of the African Continental Free Trade Area coalition brings together heads of state, ministers, chief executives, and heads of international organizations to support the implementation of the AfCFTA agreement through public-private collaboration in a manner that advances the collective interests and objectives of the stakeholders involved.

The Forum Friends of the AfCFTA provides a unique platform for global business to partner with public sector leaders to support the efforts of the AfCFTA secretariat, to accelerate intra-African trade and investment and boost Africa’s trade and investment position in the global market. The main goal of the coalition is to direct public-private action to support AfCFTA, and to form the basis for all participating members to understand how to best anticipate and support the AfCFTA agenda.

[More information](https://wefcloud-my.sharepoint.com/:b:/g/personal/chido_munyati_weforum_org/EYpDvpEkGXJFt0yZdsE2O7ABwYvZjKJoo-zHjnbioHbQ8Q?e=CGbhMG)


## Our approach

The coalition aims to achieve its goals through the following initiatives:


### Develop a shared understanding

Develop a shared understanding and common framework for how global business and public sector leaders can, in partnership, support the implementation of AfCFTA and the development of Phase II (intellectual property rights, investment and competition policy)  and Phase III (e-commerce) protocols.

[Read more](https://au-afcfta.org/operational-instruments/)


### Identify public-private partnerships

identify potential public-private partnerships for addressing financing gaps in critical sectors for enhanced trade and investment - notably infrastructure (transport, communication) and energy - while catalyzing collective actions towards securing the above financing.

[Read more](https://www.weforum.org/reports/growing-intra-africa-trade-through-digital-transformation-of-customs-and-borders)


### Advocate for industry

Use leadership positions in the public and private sectors to advocate for regional manufacturing and industrialization through diversification, regional value chain development, and enhanced trade in services and digital trade.


### Implement AfCFTA commitments

Implement AfCFTA commitments on trade and investment, including sharing best practices for private sector support.


## The path forward

Deeper integration would boost incomes, create jobs, catalyze investments and facilitate the development of regional supply chains.


## Timeline

*Chronological events and milestones*