Public lecture & ECA’s Economic Report on Africa (ERA) 2025
Title: Advancing the Implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area: Proposing Transformative Strategic Actions
Event Type: High-Level Public Lecture & Flagship Report Launch
Date: Monday, 27 October 2025
Time: 14:00 – 17:30
Venue: Ligcabho Sports Emporium, University of Eswatini, Kwaluseni Campus
Introduction
The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) represents a landmark initiative in Africa’s economic integration agenda, with the potential to reshape trade dynamics, enhance industrialisation, and foster sustainable development across the continent. However, the realization of its full benefits requires transformative strategies that address structural bottlenecks, strengthen regional value chains, and ensure inclusive participation.
In this context, the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) Sub-Regional Office for Southern Africa (SRO-SA), in collaboration with the University of Eswatini’s Department of Economics, UNDP-Eswatini, and the Central Bank of Eswatini, will convene a high-level public lecture and launch of the Economic Report on Africa (ERA) 2025. The event will bring together senior policymakers, academia, private sector stakeholders, development partners, and students to discuss actionable pathways for effective AfCFTA implementation.
About the Event
The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) Subregional Office for Southern Africa, in partnership with the University of Eswatini, UNDP-Eswatini, and the Central Bank of Eswatini, will host a high-level public lecture and officially launch the Economic Report on Africa (ERA) 2025.
This event will unpack transformative actions required to accelerate AfCFTA implementation, with a focus on strengthening regional value chains, addressing trade barriers, and positioning Southern Africa for inclusive economic transformation.
Objectives
- Raise public awareness on the strategic importance of AfCFTA for Southern Africa.
- Launch the ERA 2025 Report in Eswatini.
- Discuss policy and trade facilitation measures for value chain development.
- Bridge academia, policy, and private sector perspectives.
- Feed insights into the upcoming 31st ICSOE session.
Key Highlights
- Presentation of ERA 2025 findings by ECA
- Eswatini’s national roadmap for AfCFTA implementation
- An expert panel with the government, the UN, academia, and private sector
- Student perspectives and interactive audience engagement
- Networking session
Target Participants
Government ministries, academia and students, the private sector, central bank, UN agencies, development partners, civil society organisations, and youth and women entrepreneurs.
Programme Overview
- Opening Session & Keynote
- ERA 2025 Presentation
- Eswatini AfCFTA Roadmap Presentation
- High-level Panel Discussion
- Open Q&A
- Closing Remarks & Networking
Contact
For participation or enquiries:
Mundia Hangubo – ECA SRO-SA – mundia.hangubo@un.org
Dr Daniel Dlamini – University of Eswatini – dan@uneswa.ac.sz
Economic Report on Africa 2025