South Africa's Deputy Director-General for Trade and Investment has emphasised that the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement provides a significant opportunity for Africa through the promotion of intra-Africa trade and enables governments to make crucial decisions to support businesses.

Lerato Mataboge says embracing the AfCFTA will not only enhance regional economic cooperation but also contribute to the self-reliance of the continent.

Mataboge reiterated that regional integration is a logical solution to tackle the challenges faced by African countries.

She emphasised that the African Continental Free Trade Area agreement can be effectively implemented by promoting the exchange of goods and services with minimal tariffs and non-tariff barriers.

Moreover, she highlighted the importance of investing in each other's economies as Africans, particularly through the establishment of manufacturing firms and the development of industrial value chains.

Mataboge also welcomed the initiatives undertaken by the Southern African Customs Union to identify and promote markets, saying this could attract investments. SACU, as a regional organisation, plays a crucial role in facilitating trade and economic cooperation among its member states.

Lerato Mataboge was speaking at a business breakfast meeting hosted by the South African High Commission in Windhoek.