Farouk Abdulmalik

Today, the #AfCFTASecretariat convened the Inaugural Meeting of the AfCFTA Committee on Trade and Statistics in Nairobi, Kenya, bringing together representatives from national statistical offices, customs and revenue authorities, central banks, development finance institutions, think tanks, and experts under the theme “Recomputing Intra-African Trade.” Recognising the critical role of trade data in advancing AfCFTA implementation, this platform was established following the Council of Ministers' decision to address data opportunities and challenges across the continent. Participants reviewed the draft Terms of Reference and a proposed three-year work plan, and engaged in substantive discussions on the computation of intra-African trade statistics, including alternative methodological approaches. Key outcomes included the need to develop a sustainable, harmonised framework to strengthen trade data systems and standardised templates for data collection and reporting. The Committee will meet twice a year, with its work expected to inform the development of the inaugural and subsequent AfCFTA Intra-African Trade Reports. #CreatingOneAfricanMarket #RecomputingIntraAfricanTrade