Morocco believes in the potential for increased trade on the African continent and co-development in various sectors, said Monday evening in Marrakech, Moroccan Minister of Economy and Finance, Mohamed Benchaaboun. After noting that financial inclusion remains a challenge for many African countries, Ms. Songwea emphasized the social contract with the private sector, which is willing to contribute to the SDGs. She pointed out that Africa also needs increase in private investments and external trade, adding that the operationalization of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) will boost growth on the continent. “The private sector also provides jobs for about 90 per cent of the employed working-age population,” she said. To enable the AfCFTA enter into force, it needs to be ratified by 22 of the 54 member countries of the African Union.

Source: The North Africa Journal March 26, 2019 15:45 UTC