China’s participation key to AfCFTA implementation, development

South African diplomat and ambassador of South Africa to Madagascar Gert Grobler has emphasised the importance of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) in advancing Africa’s integrated cooperation and development, as well as the vital role that China can play in advancing the AfCFTA and the resultant cooperation and development. “Despite headwinds, trade between Africa and China jumped to a record of $260-billion in 2022, and continues to grow. This is owing to Beijing’s recent push to boost imports from Africa, with a 11% year-on-year growth,” Grobler noted during a webinar, titled ‘The Future of Africa-China Trade and How to Get There’, hosted by the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) on July 12.