President William Ruto has urged African leaders to accelerate the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to deliver tangible benefits for the continent's 1.4 billion people. Speaking in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, at the inaugural meeting of the Committee of Heads of State on AfCFTA implementation, Ruto emphasized that the pact must shift from negotiations to full execution to boost intra-African trade and economic growth.

• If fully implemented, the AfCFTA could significantly boost intra-African trade and expand Africa’s economy over the next two decades.
• President Ruto chairs the committee, with Botswana President Duma Boko serving as his deputy.
• Ruto stressed the indispensable role of the private sector, especially micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises, in driving production, trade, and job creation under the agreement.