This is undoubtedly the most concrete expression of the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (Zlecaf) which represents a single market for properties, services, business and investment on the scale of the African continent. The first containerized export of Cameroonian property to Algeria involving the Cameroonian Aluminium Company (Alucam) and the Algerian company Sarl Alfilect, for a shipment of 100 tonnes of aluminium ingots. The Managing Director of Alucam the first Cameroonian company to export under the Zlecaf regime was enthusiastic: ” It’s an incredible opportunity for us to demonstrate the quality and diversity of our products on the African market. Zlecaf opens doors that were previously closed”.
“No doubt we don’t emphasize enough, probably because we haven’t yet fully grasped its contours and finery, that for our States, this is a godsend, an opportunity, a great opportunity, to paraphrase the Head of State, H.E. Paul Biya, the providential precursor of this new approach that can legitimately be considered as the fatal weapon and major asset for the development of our States“
said Luc Magloire Mbarga Atangana.
Africa’s growing single market
” Today marks the beginning of a new era for our continent. With Zlecaf, we are removing trade barriers and paving the way for inclusive and sustainable economic growth, noted the Minister of Commerce.
Luc Magloire Mbarga Atangana congratulated the key players involved, such as the Managing Director of the Cameroon National Shippers’ Council and the companies involved for their commitment to implementing this initiative. He also urged the business community to fully seize the opportunities offered by this growing single African market, underlining the potential of a market of 1.3 billion consumers, ready to rival the world’s largest economies.
Ports play a central role in the success of the free trade zone. This is why Cyrus Ngo’o, Managing Director of the Port Autonom of Douala, highlighted the numerous investments made to modernize and develop the infrastructures and superstructures of the Port de Douala-Bonabéri, in order to bring them into line with international standards and facilitate this new type of trade. As a reminder, on July 17, 2023 at the Autonomous Port of Kribi, the Minister of Commerce had already taken delivery of the first property from Tunisia under the Zlecaf. This free-trade zone is widely considered to be a major turning point for Africa with the potential to boost intra-African trade, create jobs, reduce poverty and strengthen the continent’s economic integration.
