Africa Business Leaders Coalition Unveils Roadmap to Boost Intra-African Trade via AfCFTA
Event summary
- The Africa Business Leaders Coalition (ABLC) launched a position paper outlining five mindset shifts to accelerate intra-African trade under the AfCFTA.
- ABLC members have mobilized US$9.4 billion in climate finance since 2023, with 90% directed toward climate mitigation and renewable energy projects.
- The coalition reported that 84% of its members have integrated gender equality strategies into their overall company strategy.
- ABLC members provided approximately US$1.02 billion in investment and financing to women-owned SMEs in 2025.
The big picture
The ABLC's roadmap aligns with the growing recognition that Africa's long-term competitiveness depends on stronger regional integration and coordinated industrial development. The coalition's private sector-led approach aims to unlock the full potential of the AfCFTA, which could increase African exports by 68% and more than double FDI by 2035. The strategic focus on climate action and gender equality underscores the private sector's critical role in driving investment, innovation, and job creation across the continent.
What we're watching
- Regional Integration
- How the five mindset shifts will affect the pace of regional integration and the strengthening of African value chains.
- Private Sector Leadership
- Whether the private sector can sustain momentum in driving intra-African trade and economic transformation.
- Climate and Gender Initiatives
- The impact of ABLC's climate finance and gender equality strategies on long-term sustainable growth in Africa.
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