Mozambique is expected to move forward with the process of joining the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) next year.
Mozambique’s stance was announced on Saturday by the Minister of Transport and Communications, Carlos Mesquita, who represented the President of the Republic, Filipe Nyusi, at the 13th Extraordinary Session of the African Union Heads of State and Government on the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)
“Mozambique has not yet ratified the agreement. We have simply signed it, and are currently working on details in the negotiation of various aspects of the tariff charts. I believe that, within the next year, we will be able to move forward ,” Minister Mesquita told “O País”.
AfCFTA comes into force on the 1st of January 2021. Mozambique, along with 36 other countries which have not yet ratified their membership, has until 31 December 2021 to do so, according to information provided during the conference, which was held virtually.
Although still negotiating tariff issues and other aspects to the advantages of national products, Minister Mesquita has no doubt that adopting the protocol will be beneficial.
“This agreement has many advantages. Although we are still in a weakened economy, with micro and small companies dealing with huge challenges in terms of competitiveness and in terms of business connections, it is undoubtedly an opportunity for growth,” the minister said.
