02 Dec 2020

President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi will participate in virtual meetings of the 13^th Extraordinary Summit of the African Union on the African Continental Free Trade (AfCFTA) and the 14^th Extraordinary Summit of the African Union on Silencing Guns.

The virtual sumits will be held on December 5 and 6^t respectively and will be preceded by a virtual extraordinary session of the African Union executive council today (December 2).

A press release from the Ministry of International Affairs and Cooperation says the 13^th extraordinary session on AfCFTA will consider and finalise pending legal instruments of the AfCFTA, in preparation for the commencment of trading under the AfCFTA from January 1, 2021.

On one hand, the 14^th summit on Silencing the Guns will consider progress made towards realising the commitment to attaining durable peace and security in Africa by 2020. Accordingly, the meeting will also deliberate on possible solutions for some of the crisis situations on the continent.

The issues, which will be discussed by the summits, are of paramount importance to Botswana. “The AfCFTA stands to present siginificant gains for Botswana including generating economic beneifts through increased investment. As an avid advocate of peace and sustainable development, Botswana is committed to advancing the gaenda of “Silencing of Guns” and realising a conflict-free continent.

“In this regard, His Excellency the President will have the opportunity to address the Summits and underscore Botswana’s resolute commitment to advancing these flagship projects of the African Union Agenda 2063,” states the press release.

President Masisi will be joined in the virtual summits by the Minister of International Affairs and Cooperation, Dr Lemogang Kwape; and the Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, Ms Peggy Serame and senior government officials.

ENDS