Ruto Advocates for Tripartite Free Trade Area
“The establishment of the TFTA will expand opportunities, alleviate poverty, and foster shared prosperity across the continent,” he remarked.
President Ruto held talks with Botswana's President Gideon Boko in Accra, furthering bilateral and regional cooperation. Photo/William Ruto.
President William Ruto has emphasized the importance of implementing the Tripartite Free Trade Area (TFTA) as a transformative step for Africa’s economic integration.
The TFTA, which merges three regional economic blocs—the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), the East African Community (EAC), and the Southern African Development Community (SADC)—aims to create a massive market encompassing 700 million people.
Speaking during discussions in Accra, Ghana, President Ruto outlined the benefits of the initiative, which he described as a cornerstone for unlocking Africa’s vast potential.
“The establishment of the TFTA will expand opportunities, alleviate poverty, and foster shared prosperity across the continent,” he remarked.
Ruto also highlighted the synergy between the TFTA and proposed reforms within the African Union (AU). Together, these measures are expected to strengthen the continent’s economic foundation and enhance its global competitiveness.
The TFTA is seen as a significant step towards the realization of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), a broader vision for Africa’s economic unification.
The integration of these regional blocs into a single market will reduce trade barriers, improve infrastructure connectivity, and promote sustainable economic growth.
While in Accra, President Ruto held talks with Botswana’s President Gideon Boko, furthering bilateral and regional cooperation.
Notably, President Boko pledged his full support for Hon. Raila Odinga’s bid for the African Union Commission chairperson position.
Raila, a seasoned politician and Kenya’s former Prime Minister, has been a prominent advocate for Pan-African unity and economic transformation.
Boko’s endorsement adds momentum to Raila’s campaign, as he seeks to succeed the current chairperson. With Africa’s integration agenda taking center stage, Raila’s leadership at the AU Commission is expected to align with the aspirations for a more cohesive and economically vibrant continent.
The meeting in Ghana underscored the importance of collaboration among African leaders to address the continent’s challenges.
By championing initiatives like the TFTA and supporting visionary leadership within the AU, Ruto and his counterparts are setting the stage for a new era of progress and development.
As discussions on the TFTA and AU reforms gain traction, the focus remains on fostering unity, enhancing trade, and delivering tangible benefits to Africa’s citizens.
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