Mozambique Commences New Era of Regional Trade: In a significant development aimed at promoting economic integration throughout Africa, Mozambique has officially commenced its involvement in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The launch ceremony, which took place in the key port city of Beira on Saturday, was led by Prime Minister Benvinda Levi.
She emphasized the transformative impact that the agreement could have on Mozambique’s trade landscape and industrial growth.
z
At the event, Prime Minister Levi remarked on the substantial progress Mozambique has made in its trade relationships with other African countries, having reached a total trade volume of around 7.1 billion US dollars over the past five years.
She encouraged the private sector to seize the opportunities afforded by the AfCFTA, aligning their initiatives with the government’s “Industrialise Mozambique” program, which aims to bolster the country’s industrial foundation and update its economic infrastructure.
Reports from Agência de Informação de Moçambique (AIM) indicate that Levi asserted the AfCFTA offers a unique opportunity to forge strategic partnerships and expand economic engagements across the continent.
She noted that this platform not only opens new avenues for the private sector but also accelerates the development of a collaborative public-private dialogue model essential for sustainable regional advancement.
Mozambique’s path to AfCFTA membership commenced in earnest in 2018 when it signed the Agreement, committing to the vision of a unified African market. Following a comprehensive negotiation and internal preparation process, Mozambique presented its tariff offer in 2024, which received approval from the African Union (AU) Heads of State and Government in February 2025.
This positioned Mozambique to partake in preferential trade with 47 other African nations under the agreement’s framework.
The AfCFTA is hailed as one of the African Union’s most ambitious initiatives, aiming to establish the world’s largest free trade area, encompassing over 1.3 billion people across 55 countries with a combined gross domestic product exceeding 3.4 trillion US dollars. Its goals include enhancing intra-African trade by removing tariffs on 90% of goods, minimizing non-tariff barriers, and facilitating the free movement of goods, services, and individuals.
Prime Minister Levi’s comments reflect a broader agreement among African leaders regarding the AfCFTA’s potential for transformation. Experts believe that nations like Mozambique, blessed with rich natural resources and advantageous geographic locations, stand to gain substantially.
By leveraging the AfCFTA, Mozambique aims to diversify its trade relationships, increase value-added exports, strengthen regional value chains, and promote industrialization—essential components for achieving long-term economic stability.
Additionally, Beira’s selection as the venue for the launch event carries significant symbolism. As one of Mozambique’s major ports, Beira functions as a crucial logistical center connecting landlocked neighbouring countries like Zimbabwe, Malawi, and Zambia to international markets.
Enhancing infrastructure in ports such as Beira and other vital sectors is anticipated to aid Mozambique’s deeper integration into regional and continental supply chains, an objective the government is eager to pursue through its “Industrialise Mozambique” initiative.
Levi also called for a unified effort from both public and private entities to ensure the success of Mozambique’s AfCFTA involvement. She stressed the importance of creating a favourable investment climate, advancing policy reforms to improve trade facilitation, and strengthening support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which are integral to Mozambique’s economy.
Despite the prevailing optimism, challenges remain. Analysts highlight structural issues such as insufficient infrastructure, bureaucratic delays, and the necessity for enhanced trade-related capabilities as potential barriers to fully capitalizing on the AfCFTA’s benefits.
Nonetheless, Mozambique’s proactive measures, including the timely submission of its tariff schedules and ongoing institutional reforms, are viewed as positive signs of its commitment to continental integration.
The AfCFTA also encourages member states to align their trade regulations and standards, thereby reducing costs and complexities associated with cross-border trade.
Mozambique’s commitment to these continental objectives illustrates its desire to actively participate in shaping Africa’s economic future.
By embracing the AfCFTA, Mozambique joins an increasing number of African nations dedicated to transforming the continent’s economic framework through collaboration, innovation, and inclusive growth.
As the implementation of the agreement progresses, Mozambique’s experiences will serve as a valuable example of the opportunities and challenges involved in creating a unified African market.
Further updates on Mozambique’s advancements under the AfCFTA framework are expected as the country transitions from policy commitment to practical execution.
The upcoming years will be critical in evaluating the tangible effects of Mozambique’s engagement with this significant global free trade initiative.
