Promoting resilience through transformation: Central and Eastern Africa commit to productive capacities and the AfCFTA

Yaoundé/Kigali, 1 October 2025 (ECA) - The Fourth Joint Session of the Intergovernmental Committee of Senior Officials and Experts (ICSOE) for Central and Eastern Africa reaffirmed a common vision: promoting resilience through structural transformation by strengthening productive capacities and harnessing the potential of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is the wayforward.

Strategic priorities outlined

Convened virtually, the session brought together nearly 200 participants, including representatives of governments, regional economic communities, the private sector, civil society, academia, and international media. The discussions underscored the need for sustained and coordinated investments in key areas to put Central and Eastern Africa on a sustainable growth trajectory.

Among the priorities identified were: accelerating the development of regional value chains in sectors such as timber, agribusiness, and mining; strengthening fiscal and institutional resilience to better absorb external shocks; investing in human capital, particularly for women and youth, and promoting digital and green skills; expanding connectivity and infrastructure to lower logistics costs and enhance trade; leveraging the AfCFTA, as a catalyst for competitiveness and deeper regional integration.

A Stark Diagnosis

The two subregions remain highly exposed to multiple and integrated global crises. Growth is modest: 3.3% in Central Africa and 4.9% in Eastern Africa in 2024, far below the levels expected to significantly reduce poverty. Intra-regional trade remains low at 2% in Central Africa and 17 %in Eastern Africa, well under the potential offered by the AfCFTA. Meanwhile, more than 470 million people were affected by food insecurity across both subregions in 2023, compounded by climate shocks and geopolitical tensions.

Against this backdrop, Charles Assamba Ongodo, Vice-President of the Commission of the Economic and Monetary Community of Central Africa (CEMAC), issued a strong statement: "Central Africa must fast-track the diversification of its trade base. This requires building regional value chains, which should be aligned with the subregional import-substitution strategy. While focusing on transforming the strategic products underscored by this strategy, our subregion will be able to rebalance its trade account, strengthen food security, consolidate its currency, and insulate itself from external shocks."

Despite higher intra-regional trade and relatively stable growth, Eastern Africa remains challenged by heavy import dependence, which continues to weigh on its trade balance. Ali Houmed Aboubaker, Secretary-General at the State Secretariat in charge of Investment and Private Sector Development of Djibouti, emphasized:
"The backbone of economic diversification lies in energy security, food security, and human capital development. We must industrialize to improve our productive capacities index, but equally important is fostering economic and industrial complementarities across a broader regional market."

Towards Inclusive Transformation

"Investing in our productive capacities and seizing the opportunities arising from the AfCFTA constitute the gateway to a sustainable and inclusive transformation of our economies," reiterated Jean Luc Mastaki, Director of ECA's Subregional Office for Central Africa.

The accelerated implementation of national and subregional industrial and trade strategies has now become imperative. This calls for expanding green and inclusive regional value chains, notably through next-generation special economic zones, sustainable tourism, the blue economy, and the digital sector.

On his side, Andrew Mold, Director of ECA's Subregional Office for Eastern Africa, noted: "This session highlighted not only the relevance of ECA's support in understanding economic ecosystems, but also the critical need to swiftly translate adopted recommendations and policy documents into concrete action."

Media QueriesZacharie Roger MBARGA - Communications OfficerUnited Nations Economic Commission for Africa637, rue 3.069, Quartier du Lac, Yaoundé, CameroonTel: (+237) 222504348E-mail: [email protected]

Issued by:Communications SectionEconomic Commission for AfricaPO Box 3001Addis AbabaEthiopiaTel: +251 11 551 5826E-mail: [email protected]