Kenya’s Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, representing President William Ruto, called for accelerated AfCFTA implementation during the 8th African Union Mid-Year Coordination Meeting in Alamein, Egypt. Speaking on behalf of the Kenyan government, Mudavadi highlighted that Africa’s economic integration must deliver measurable benefits to citizens, including expanded market access for businesses, job creation for youth, and cross-border opportunities for professionals. He stressed that removing non-tariff barriers and facilitating secure movement of investors and entrepreneurs would strengthen regional industries and create broader economic prospects for Kenyan products and African markets.
Mudavadi’s remarks coincided with the adoption of a declaration aimed at enhancing coordination among African institutions, reducing redundancies, and translating continental commitments into actionable outcomes. The Kenyan delegation also welcomed the 2026 African Union–Regional Economic Communities/Regional Mechanisms (AU–RECs/RMs) agreement on the African Standby Force, which seeks to improve the efficiency of peace operations on the continent. He underscored that a fully integrated Africa must prioritize peace, competitiveness, and prosperity, ensuring that promises made to citizens are fulfilled through concrete policies and collaborative efforts.
The call for faster AfCFTA implementation aligns with Kenya’s broader vision of regional economic cohesion, which it argues is critical for addressing challenges such as trade fragmentation and limited market access. Mudavadi emphasized that the agreement’s success hinges on political will and practical measures to simplify customs procedures, harmonize regulations, and enhance infrastructure. His statements reflect Kenya’s strategic interest in leveraging AfCFTA to boost exports, attract foreign investment, and position itself as a regional trade hub, while also advocating for a unified African voice in global economic negotiations.
Kenya’s advocacy underscores the growing urgency among African nations to realize the potential of AfCFTA, which aims to create the world’s largest free trade area by eliminating tariffs on 90% of goods. The country’s push for accelerated implementation comes amid ongoing debates over enforcement mechanisms and disparities in economic development across the continent. Mudavadi’s remarks signal Kenya’s commitment to fostering a more interconnected and equitable African economy, where integration translates into tangible improvements in livelihoods and opportunities for all citizens.