President Evariste Ndayishimiye of Burundi, who also chairs the African Union (AU), met with a delegation from the African Continental Free Trade Area (Zlecaf) on Tuesday, August 4, 2026. The high-level meeting, held at the Ntare Rushatsi Presidential Palace, focused extensively on the current status of Zlecaf implementation across the continent. During the full discussions, President Ndayishimiye provided strategic guidance aimed at accelerating the Zlecaf implementation process, showing its importance for regional economic integration and development. The gathering noted the ongoing commitment of African leadership to foster strong intra-African trade.
Zlecaf Progress and Protocols
Mahamadou Issoufou, the Zlecaf delegation lead, presented a detailed overview of the implementation status of the Zlecaf agreement to the African Union Chair. His presentation provided a full update on the progress achieved concerning signatures, ratifications, and the various protocols that underpin the landmark trade agreement. Issoufou reported that these key protocols concern trade in goods, trade in services, intellectual property rights, competition policy, and digital commerce. The protocols include specific provisions designed to empower women and youth in trade, alongside frameworks for investments, ensuring an inclusive approach to continental economic growth.
Issoufou stated, "Nous avons indiqué au président que les choses évoluent dans la bonne direction et que la Zlecaf avance au rythme souhaité," which translates to "We indicated to the president that things are moving in the right direction and that Zlecaf is advancing at the desired pace." He further added that the African Union Chairman pledged his unwavering support for the ratification of these essential protocols by member states. "Le président de l’Union africaine a promis de nous appuyer afin que ces protocoles soient ratifiés," Issoufou noted, emphasizing the commitment from the highest level of the AU.
Praise for Zlecaf Momentum
Mahamadou Issoufou, who is a former President of Niger and serves as the Zlecaf Champion, expressed strong commendation for the agreement's progress. He reiterated his earlier statement, confirming that the Zlecaf is indeed advancing at the desired pace, a testament to the collective effort of African nations. Issoufou noted that the Zlecaf agreement was negotiated, signed, and subsequently ratified in record time within the African Union's history, demonstrating an unprecedented level of political will and cooperation. This rapid progression shows the urgency and strategic importance placed on continental economic integration.
The Zlecaf agreement is considered one of the flagship projects of the African Union's Agenda 2063, a long-term strategic framework for the socio-economic transformation of the continent. Its inclusion as a cornerstone initiative within Agenda 2063 shows its profound significance for continental development and prosperity. Issoufou also noted that Zlecaf is expected to accompany Burundi in achieving its ambitious Vision 2040-2060, thereby aligning regional trade goals with national development strategies and fostering sustainable economic growth within the East African nation.
Call for Ratification Support
The Zlecaf delegation, led by Mahamadou Issoufou, former President of Niger and Zlecaf Champion, used the meeting as an opportunity to address ongoing challenges. During their meeting with President Ndayishimiye, Issoufou indicated that while the African Continental Free Trade Area is progressing well in many aspects, some protocols are still awaiting ratification by a number of member states. He reiterated the positive outlook, stating, "Nous avons indiqué au président que les choses évoluent dans la bonne direction et que la Zlecaf avance au rythme souhaité."
To overcome these pending ratifications, the delegation specifically requested President Ndayishimiye's support. They sought his influence and leadership, in his capacity as AU Chair, to encourage countries to accelerate the ratification process for these outstanding protocols. In response to this key appeal, President Ndayishimiye committed to assisting with this effort, pledging to use his office to advocate for swifter action. Mahamadou Issoufou confirmed the President's pledge, noting, "Le président de l’Union africaine a promis de nous appuyer afin que ces protocoles soient ratifiés," solidifying the commitment to advancing the Zlecaf agenda.