Resident coordinator Nathalie Fustier's opening remarks for the third joint session of intergovernmental Committees of Senior officials for North and West Africa (UNECA)

Excellencies, distinguished participants, colleagues, and partners,

It is an honor to address you all today at this critical gathering for North and West Africa. 

I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to the Government of Morocco for hosting this important session, and to the Economic Commission for Africa, our co-organizers.

This is the third time we have convened for this joint session, reflecting our shared commitment to fostering cooperation and achieving sustainable development across the continent. 

Today’s theme—accelerating the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area through digital transformation and economic diversification—is both timely and crucial.

It is timely because we gather today against a backdrop of multiple, overlapping crises that are reshaping our world. The lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the accelerating climate emergency, and the growing debt burden have exposed vulnerabilities in our economies and social systems. 

These challenges threaten our progress toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.

It is crucial because for too long, African economies have been impeded by the lack of diversification and low productivity gains. 

Accelerating inclusive growth and breaking out of the middle-income trap can only be achieved through economic diversification and increased productivity.   

Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,

The African free trade agreement’s goal is clear: a unified market across Africa. Digitalization is how we make that a reality. 

Consider the Single African Air Transport Market. By leveraging digital tools, air transport logistics are streamlined. Shipping times drop. Costs decrease. This means more goods moving across borders, faster and cheaper.

The African free trade agreement is not just about trade agreements. It’s about breaking down barriers. And digitalization is our tool to do it. 

The Pan-African Payment and Settlement System is cutting out the need for foreign currencies. Now, a Nigerian exporter can get paid directly by a Kenyan buyer using their local currency. It’s simple, it’s efficient, and it’s a game changer.

Digital customs systems are transforming border procedures. Faster clearances. Lower costs. Rwanda’s electronic single window system is leading the way—traders submit all documents online. No more long lines. No more delays. 

This is the future of African trade.

The African free trade agreement is about more than just trade. It’s about creating new opportunities for economic diversification. 

Digitalization is how we are making that possible. 

Agritech platforms like Yola Fresh in Morocco and Twiga in Kenya are revolutionizing agriculture. Farmers connect directly with markets. Post-harvest losses shrink. Incomes grow. High-value crops and agribusiness take off.

The shift to renewable energy is another frontier. Companies like KarmSolar introduced solar-powered water pumping systems in Egypt, significantly improving the efficiency and sustainability of water management for agricultural purposes. This digital approach ensures higher productivity and better resource management. Clean energy, more jobs, and a greener economy. 

That’s diversification in action.

And in healthcare, innovation saves lives. Zipline in Rwanda uses drones to deliver critical medical supplies to remote areas. Faster, safer, and more efficient. This is how we’re diversifying and strengthening Africa’s healthcare systems.

Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,

Africa stands at a unique crossroads, with a remarkable opportunity to drive change and advance towards a sustainable future—one that is shaped by its own narrative.

The Pact for the Future, recently adopted at the UN General Assembly, lays out a clear roadmap towards shared prosperity anchored in sustainability, resilience, and inclusivity. It seeks to tackle deep-rooted inequalities and calls for a reform of the global financial system—one that truly serves the needs, rights, and aspirations of the African continent, especially its youth and women.

let us be clear: free trade is not an end in itself. The African Continental Free Trade Area offers a powerful platform to accelerate economic growth, with a clear purpose. 

By leveraging digital tools, we can reduce barriers to trade, streamline cross-border processes, and empower small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to thrive on a continental scale.

But we must ensure that no one is left behind, particularly women, youth, and marginalized communities.

Through our collective efforts and strategic partnerships, we have the power to overcome today’s challenges and build a future that is sustainable, resilient, and prosperous for North and West Africa. 

The work we do here is not simply about achieving economic growth; it is about making that growth inclusive, sustainable, and truly beneficial for all Africans.

Thank you.