KAM Vice Chair Mary-Ann Musangi Calls for Private Sector to Drive AfCFTA at Unstoppable Africa 2026 Forum In New York
The success of AfCFTA, she maintained, should therefore be measured by what happens in the real economy rather than by the number of protocols signed, meetings held or institutions established.
Nairobi, Kenya – The Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) has urged the private sector to play a leading role in implementing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Mary-Ann Musangi, KAM's Board Vice Chairperson, made the call during the Unstoppable Africa 2026 forum in New York, during a session focused on empowering Africa's private sector within the AfCFTA framework.
Musangi emphasized that while the institutional architecture for AfCFTA is now in place, the focus should shift from negotiations to implementation. She argued that the success of AfCFTA should be measured by its impact on the real economy, rather than by the number of protocols signed or meetings held. Musangi also highlighted the need for practical tools such as market access, standard convergence, infrastructure development, finance, and digital systems to facilitate seamless trade across borders.
She stressed that businesses, manufacturers, farmers, traders, and other stakeholders must be at the center of efforts to transform the agreement into a functioning continental market. Musangi further noted that industry associations like KAM play a crucial role in connecting businesses with policymakers and translating practical experiences into policy recommendations.
KAM has been actively involved in Kenya's AfCFTA policy and implementation processes, contributing to exports of various products from the country to other African nations.
Written by urgent.news from Capital FM Kenya's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
