African Business Council re-elects Amani Asfour for second term, puts AfCFTA implementation in focus

The African Business Council (AfBC) has re-elected Amani Asfour as its president for a second term, reaffirming the confidence of African private-sector leaders in her vision to strengthen continental economic integration, boost intra-African trade and investment, and accelerate industrial development.

The re-election took place during the council’s General Assembly meeting in El Alamein, held alongside the African Private Sector High-Level Forum, the African Union’s Mid-Year Coordination Summit and the El Alamein African Business Summit.

The General Assembly also elected four vice presidents representing regional and sectoral private-sector institutions across the continent. They are James Chimwaza, former president of the COMESA Business Council; Mijgan Kazmir, vice president of the Federation of West African Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FEWACCI); Charles Kahuthu, CEO of the East African Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture; and Mansour Ahmed, president of the Pan African Manufacturers Association (PAMA).

The newly elected leadership is expected to strengthen the council’s continental representation and advocacy for policies supporting business competitiveness, regional integration, industrial development and cross-border investment.

Speaking after her re-election, Asfour said the council would continue working towards a more competitive and innovative Africa, with the private sector playing a central role in the continent’s economic transformation.

She described the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as a historic opportunity to unlock Africa’s economic potential, stressing the need to accelerate intra-African trade, strengthen regional value chains, promote industrialisation, and support small and medium-sized enterprises, women entrepreneurs and young business leaders.

Asfour also called for a shift away from reliance on raw material exports towards producing higher-value goods manufactured in Africa, highlighting the importance of quality standards, competitiveness and value addition.

“Together, we will continue working towards our vision: One Africa, One Market, One Prosperous Future,” she said.

Established under a decision by the African Union’s Assembly of Heads of State and Government, the AfBC serves as a continental platform representing businesses of different sizes, including large companies, small and medium-sized enterprises, women-led businesses and youth-led ventures.

The council works to strengthen private-sector participation in policymaking, facilitate trade, encourage investment partnerships and improve the business environment across African markets.

During its new term, the council plans to deepen cooperation with the African Union Commission, the AfCFTA Secretariat, regional economic communities, chambers of commerce, manufacturers’ associations and development partners.

Its priorities include removing barriers to intra-African trade, mobilising investment, developing regional industrial value chains and expanding economic opportunities for small businesses, women and young people, in support of the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and its vision of a prosperous and integrated continent.