By:
Kanto Kai Okanta
The
United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) has strengthened the
capacity of regional legislators to support the effective implementation of the
African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) through a four-day
capacity-building workshop held in Nairobi.
The
workshop, organized by ECA through its African Trade Policy Centre (ATPC),
brought together members of the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA)
Standing Committee on Communication, Trade and Investment from July 28 to 31,
2026.
The
training focused on enhancing legislators’ understanding of the AfCFTA
Agreement, its protocols, institutional framework and implementation mechanisms
while highlighting the important role of legislative institutions in
translating continental trade commitments into national and regional action.
Participants
examined the relationship between the AfCFTA and Regional Economic Communities
(RECs), with particular attention to the role of the East African Community
(EAC) as one of Africa’s key regional integration blocs.
ECA
emphasized that successful implementation of the AfCFTA requires more than the
signing and ratification of agreements. Strong legislative institutions are
needed to support policy alignment, enact relevant laws, provide oversight and
ensure that trade commitments deliver meaningful benefits to citizens.
The
workshop highlighted the role of parliamentarians in shaping trade policies,
allocating resources through budget processes, advocating for inclusive
economic opportunities and ensuring that AfCFTA commitments are incorporated
into national legislation and regulations.
Discussions
also focused on how continental trade integration can support
industrialization, expand intra-African trade and create economic opportunities
for key groups, including women entrepreneurs, youth, small and medium-sized
enterprises (SMEs), smallholder farmers and informal cross-border traders.
Participants
explored the AfCFTA implementation framework, the EAC’s contribution to
regional integration and practical approaches to strengthening legislative
oversight and cooperation among regional institutions.
The
programme also provided a platform for peer learning, knowledge exchange and
the identification of priority actions to support the future work of the EALA
Standing Committee on Communication, Trade and Investment.
ECA
said strengthening the capacity of regional legislators remains critical to
advancing Africa’s trade integration agenda and ensuring that the AfCFTA is
