MOCI Launches AFCFTA Implementation Strategy
By Domingo Dargbeh
The Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MOCI) on Thursday, August, 14, 2025, launched the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
AfCFTA seeks to create a single continental market for goods and services, allowing the free movement of people and capital, with the broader aim of fostering economic diversification, industrial development, and inclusive growth across Africa.
Deputy Commerce Minister for Trade, Wilmot Reeves, outlined the important of the launch, noting: “it set to reshape the continent trade dynamics by boosting intra-African trade and unlocking economies of scale for African enterprises.”
Reeves further that the launch represents one of the most ambitious integration efforts globally. The strategy is a significant milestone in Liberia’s economic transformation journey. It signals a national commitment to leveraging regional trade for sustainable development and shared prosperity.
The strategy sets a clear roadmap for harnessing the benefits of AfCFTA, with emphasis on empowering micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), boosting trade facilitation, diversifying exports, and enhancing country’s competitiveness.
It addresses critical enablers, such as infrastructure development, institutional capacity, policy coherence, and digital transformation, while integrating gender, women, youth, people with disabilities and environmental considerations.” Reeves added.
AFCFTA key launcher Senator Alex J. Taylor, spoke of the need for digital transformation connecting businesses to e-commerce platforms and regional digital markets.
Taylor chairs the Senate Committee on Commerce. He described the initiative as an opportunity to open doors for every Liberian entrepreneur, farmers, young graduates with a dream to trade beyond the borders.
“It is now time to ensure every women, youths, and marginalized groups, are not left beyond, Taylor told the gathering.
Commerce Minster Magdalene E. Dagoseh, said that the implication strategic documentation lays the foundation for how the country will engage with the AFCFTA framework.
Madam Dagoseh said that the launch reflects the national priorities, the economic aspirations, and the unwavering beliefs that trade, when inclusive and well managed, can be a powerful, engine for development, innovation, and job creations.
She therefore recognized the fully harness the opportunities of the AFCFTA, strength the productive sectors, infrastructure, support, SMEs, and build the capacity of the workforce.
“This document provides a roadmap for doing just that,” she said.