Mbabane, Kingdom of Eswatini, 27 October 2025 (ECA) - The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), in partnership with the University of Eswatini (UNESWA), UNDP Eswatini, and the Central Bank of Eswatini, convened a high-level Public Lecture to launch the 2025 Economic Report on Africa (ERA 2025) under the theme: “Advancing the Implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA): Proposing Transformative Strategic Actions.”
The event, hosted at the University of Eswatini main campus in Matsapha, brought together senior government officials, policymakers, academics, private sector representatives, and development partners. It provided a platform to foster dialogue and collaboration on harnessing the AfCFTA to accelerate industrialization, strengthen regional value chains, and position Southern Africa competitively in continental and global trade.
The launch preceded the 31st Session of the Intergovernmental Committee of Senior Officials and Experts (ICSOE31), scheduled for 30–31 October 2025 in Ezulwini.
Welcoming participants, Professor Justice Thwala, Vice Chancellor of UNESWA, commended the partnership between ECA, UNDP, and the Central Bank, describing the event as “a crucial step in advancing Africa’s economic integration agenda.” He noted that Africa’s economic integration has been slow due to high tariffs, non-tariff barriers, poor regional connectivity, and limited industrialization. “The AfCFTA offers a transformative opportunity to boost intra-African trade, diversify economies, and foster industrial growth,” he said, emphasizing the need for strategic action to unlock the AfCFTA’s full potential.
Professor Thwala highlighted the pivotal role of universities in driving research, innovation, and value chain development in key growth sectors, including agro-processing, pharmaceuticals, automotive manufacturing, and renewable energy. “Homegrown innovation is critical if Africa is to gain a comparative and competitive advantage. Our task is to move from informed dialogue to decisive action,” he added.
Delivering the keynote address, Ms. Eunice G. Kamwendo, Director of ECA SRO-SA, emphasized that the AfCFTA provides a historic opportunity to reshape Africa’s trade architecture, stimulate industrial growth, and build resilience amid global economic uncertainty. “Full implementation of the AfCFTA Agreement could increase intra-African trade by an estimated $3 trillion and Africa’s GDP by $1.4 trillion by 2045,” she said. She urged governments, the private sector, and academia to coordinate efforts on trade facilitation, digital transformation, and climate-smart industrialization, noting that “the AfCFTA is not a distant aspiration; it is an urgent economic reality that Africa’s youth must help shape.”
Ms. Zodwa Mabuza, Chief of Subregional Initiatives at ECA SRO-SA, presented highlights from ERA 2025, which provides evidence-based insights and policy recommendations to advance industrialization, trade, and innovation under the AfCFTA framework. “Africa must move beyond ratification to implementation and real transformation, requiring collaborative governance, renewable energy investment, and innovative thinking across all sectors,” she emphasized.
Ms. Lungile Dlamini, Director at Eswatini’s Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Trade (MCIT), shared Eswatini’s National Policy Framework and Roadmap for AfCFTA Implementation, noting that local companies are already trading under the agreement. She outlined ongoing efforts to address regulatory harmonization, institutional capacity, infrastructure gaps, and informal trade.
Representing the University students, Mr. Samkeliso Hlatjwako of UNESWA’s Economics Society highlighted the transformative opportunities AfCFTA presents for Africa’s youth, calling for greater investment in education, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
In his closing remarks, Mr. Henrik Franklin, UNDP Resident Representative in Eswatini, commended the collaboration behind ERA 2025’s launch. “Eswatini’s strategic membership in four major regional economic blocs—the CMA, SACU, SADC, and COMESA—offers a powerful platform to fully leverage AfCFTA opportunities,” he said. He underscored the importance of empowering women- and youth-led enterprises, noting that SMEs led by these groups stand to benefit most. “Unlocking these opportunities is essential for inclusive growth and sustainable development across Africa,” he added.
“At UNDP, we remain steadfast in our commitment to collaborate with the ECA, the World Bank, and national partners to cultivate an enabling environment for inclusive trade and enterprise development,” he affirmed.
The launch of ERA 2025 marks Eswatini’s first national engagement with the report and reinforces the country’s commitment to advancing inclusive and transformative trade integration under the AfCFTA. The event highlighted a shared vision of an integrated, innovative, and industrialized Africa, where research, policy, and enterprise work hand in hand to unlock the continent’s full potential.
Issued by:
The Sub-Regional Office for Southern Africa
UN Economic Commission for Africa (ECA)
P.O. Box 30647, Lusaka, Zambia.
Media Contacts:
Ms. Lavender Degre,
Communication Officer,
Tel: +260 211 228502/5 Ext. 21307
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Email: lavender.degre@un.org