Zim to host A-ACX Conference
STAFF WRITER
In a significant move to bolster intra-African trade and economic resilience, Zimbabwe has been chosen to host the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Association of African Commodity Exchanges (A-ACX) Annual Conference this March.
Scheduled for 26-27 March 2025 in the resort city of Victoria Falls, the conference will feature high-level speakers and panelists from across the continent and globally. Participants will include representatives from commodity exchanges, financial and logistics services providers, government officials, and various stakeholders in the commodities value chain.
Zimbabwe’s selection to host this important event highlights the nation’s growing influence in the African commodities market and its strong commitment to AfCFTA’s objectives. The A-ACX, an alliance of African commodity exchanges, was established to drive collaboration and alignment with AfCFTA’s broader goals of fostering economic growth and promoting trade between African nations.
The association seeks to play a central role in advancing intra-African trade in commodities and related services, offering a platform for innovation, market development, and regional economic integration.
The theme of the upcoming conference, “Scaling Intra-African Trade: Leveraging Commodity Exchanges for Economic Resilience and Growth,” reflects the shared vision of enhancing Africa’s trade ecosystem.
“The event is set to address critical issues, such as harmonising trade practices across African markets, building pan-African supply chains, promoting investment in the continent’s abundant resources, and advocating for policy reforms to unlock the potential of regional trade,” ZMX said in a statement.
It continued: “Zimbabwe, through the ZMX, has been a key contributor to the A-ACX’s initiatives. As the host nation, Zimbabwe is tasked with managing a comprehensive agenda for the conference, which will bring together key stakeholders, including commodity exchange leaders, policymakers, and international organisations.
“The conference will feature a diverse array of sessions, discussions, and networking opportunities designed to share knowledge, build capacity, and explore innovative strategies for market development.
“Hosting the A-ACX Annual Conference represents a significant milestone for Zimbabwe, offering numerous benefits. Zimbabwe will showcase its contributions to the continent’s commodities market, highlighting its innovative frameworks and market development strategies. It is also expected to attract investments in commodities and natural resources, sectors vital to Zimbabwe’s economy.
