Addis Ababa: The African Union Commission has called for renewed commitment to economic integration through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM). The Embassy of Botswana in Addis Ababa, in collaboration with Ethiopian consultancy Entrust Consult, organized a high-level Business Networking Event titled ‘Andinet – Remmogo’ (meaning ‘unity’ in Amharic and Setswana).
According to Ethiopian News Agency, the event featured panel discussions focused on enhancing trade and investment between Botswana and Ethiopia in sectors such as agriculture, leather, textiles, jewellery, coffee, aviation, and tourism. The goal was to strengthen partnerships and leverage opportunities under AfCFTA, promoting trade, joint ventures, and SME cooperation.
Botho Bayendi, AU Director of Strategic Planning and Delivery, spoke at the occasion and urged member states to accelerate the implementation of Agenda 2063, a flagship continental development initiative. Bayendi highlighted the potential of AfCFTA to double intra-African trade and lift 30 million people out of poverty by 2035. The SAATM, on the other hand, could increase air traffic by 50% and reduce airfares by 25%.
Ethiopia is not only a committed signatory but also a regional leader, with Ethiopian Airlines serving as Africa’s largest and most successful carrier. This positions Addis Ababa to become a continental aviation and logistics hub, with the full implementation of SAATM expected to enhance regional connectivity, reduce transport costs, and increase cargo and passenger volumes.
Bayendi emphasized the synergy between AfCFTA and SAATM, stating, ‘AfCFTA opens the markets; SAATM connects them. Together, they anchor a new era of economic mobility, regional production networks, and integrated value chains.’
The AU will soon begin aligning national development plans with Agenda 2063 goals, aiming to promote local value addition and stronger regional value chains. Tebelelo Boang, Botswana’s Ambassador to Ethiopia and AU Permanent Representative, highlighted the importance of diplomacy in unlocking economic opportunities, pointing to Botswana’s stability, low corruption, and diversification, alongside Ethiopia’s rapid industrial growth, as a foundation for mutual prosperity.
Ambassador Boang underscored the need to reduce barriers between markets, facilitate the movement of goods, services, and investments, and encourage joint ventures in sectors like manufacturing, agribusiness, and technology. ‘Let today be the beginning of lasting conversations-not just between businesses, but between nations,’ he added.
Together, the AU and member states like Botswana and Ethiopia are reinforcing the continent’s vision of integration, shared prosperity, and global relevance under Agenda 2063.