le rôle de l’Algérie dans le renforcement de l’intégration économique africaine souligné
Summary of the 11th African Investment and Trade Forum (AFIC)
The 11th African Investment and Trade Forum (AFIC) held in Algiers recently highlighted Algeria’s pivotal role in promoting continental economic integration. The forum, themed "Integration and African Prosperity," was a platform for discussing the significant contributions Algeria has made to revitalize African partnerships across key sectors, including infrastructure, energy, transport, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
Key Contributions and Initiatives
Amine Boutalbi, the President of the Arab-African Center for Investment and Development (CAAID) and the event’s organizer, underscored Algeria’s proactive approach towards economic integration in Africa. He stated that Algeria not only advocates for unity but actively engages in establishing tangible initiatives and partnerships based on mutual benefit. Boutalbi emphasized Algeria’s efforts in opening markets, building connections, and transferring technology, thereby sharing its expertise in various sectors such as industry and energy.
In light of the upcoming Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF 2025), scheduled from September 4-10 in Algiers, he explained that this event is crucial for enhancing trade and integration within Africa and will serve as a platform for African communities abroad to support their homelands’ development.
The forum attracted approximately 1,000 participants, including investors and business leaders from 43 countries. Notable attendees included Kamel Rezig, Algeria’s Minister of Commerce and Export Promotion, and several other key government officials, emphasizing the event’s significance.
Fostering Economic Exchange
The AFIC aimed to facilitate the exchange of experiences among economic actors from various African nations and partner states. Islam Soualhi, responsible for entrepreneurship and investment at the African Union, reiterated Algeria’s central role in supporting the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). He praised the progress made in facilitating trade and developing economic sectors and infrastructure throughout the continent, suggesting that these advancements could stimulate robust economic activity, particularly in energy and renewable resources.
Soualhi acknowledged Algeria’s leadership in promoting startup development, citing the 2022 adoption of the African ministerial declaration dedicated to this cause. He also mentioned the establishment of a continental strategy for supporting innovation and entrepreneurship among African youth, urging deeper continental cooperation to make Africa a strong, integrated, and prosperous continent.
Event Program and Focus Areas
The program for the 11th AFIC included various activities such as in-person and virtual conferences, workshops, and bilateral business meetings aimed at fostering partnerships and concluding agreements. Additionally, an economic exhibition was organized to showcase both local and international businesses across diverse sectors such as export, trade, agriculture, agro-industry, tourism, services, technology, digital transition, energy, construction, pharmaceuticals, investment, finance, transport, and the environment.
This multifaceted approach not only reflects Algeria’s commitment to enhancing economic integration in Africa but also its dedication to laying the groundwork for sustainable development across the continent.
Overall, the forum served as a vital gathering for stakeholder engagement, promoting the exchange of ideas and strategies to achieve a more connected and prosperous African economy.
