The African Development Bank (AfDB) and Casablanca Finance City (CFC) recently organized a summit in Casablanca to explore how the private sector can drive the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The event, held on July 23, 2025, brought together leading figures from businesses and pan-African institutions under the theme “Connecting Africa – The AfCFTA Pathway.”
Enormous Economic Potential
Discussions highlighted Africa’s immense potential. With a population of more than 1.5 billion people and a combined Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of $3.4 trillion, the continent is becoming an increasingly critical player in the global economy. Participants emphasized that eliminating trade barriers through the full implementation of the AfCFTA could increase intra-African trade by 52% by 2035.
The dialogue stressed the importance of strengthening private sector competitiveness, financing trade-enabling infrastructure, and developing regional value chains. Speakers also advocated for a pragmatic approach that promotes the free movement of goods and ideas, opening new avenues for investment and trade.
The Central Role of Partnerships
Joy Kategekwa, Director of Regional Integration at the AfDB, stressed the importance of this partnership with CFC, an institution capable of bringing African businesses together to maximize the benefits of the AfCFTA.
For her part, Lamia Merzouki of CFC stated that active private sector involvement is essential to the success of the AfCFTA. She noted that the discussions focused on concrete tools to boost trade and facilitate the integration of African companies.
Achraf Tarsim, the AfDB Country Manager for Morocco, reaffirmed the Bank’s support for this regional vision, citing strategic investments in infrastructure (roads, ports, and railways) and credit lines designed to facilitate trade. Participants also agreed on the urgent need to bridge Africa’s annual infrastructure financing gap, estimated at $130 billion.
The Four Pillars of the Casablanca Call
At the close of the meeting, participants issued the “Casablanca Call,” a document calling for the creation of a dedicated private sector platform structured around four priority objectives:
- Facilitate market access by providing businesses with market intelligence, practical guides, policy recommendations, and a directory of bankable projects.
- Modernize infrastructure by developing economic corridors and establishing an attractive legal framework to mobilize private investment and technical expertise.
- Strengthen financial integration by harmonizing capital markets and deploying innovative financial instruments to fund transformative projects.
- Position financial centers as catalysts for the AfCFTA by building business-friendly ecosystems and promoting Africa as a land of opportunity through awareness, training, and advocacy initiatives.
