Cape Town has called for faster implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), arguing that improved air connectivity, stronger logistics and manufacturing growth are needed to help African businesses access new markets.
The city's Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth, James Vos, made the call during the 4th Southern Africa Conference on the AfCFTA, where he said the agreement should become "a practical tool" for expanding trade across the continent.
"The AfCFTA cannot simply be a document that sits on a shelf. It must become the vehicle that gets more African products onto African shelves," Vos said.
He said the success of the trade agreement would depend on whether businesses could move beyond policy commitments and access real commercial opportunities.
Vos highlighted the need for greater liberalisation of Africa's aviation sector through an “Open Skies” approach, saying improved air connectivity was essential to supporting exporters, attracting investment and strengthening trade links across the continent.
"Trade agreements create opportunity, but connectivity creates access. If we want African businesses to trade with each other, we must remove the barriers that stand in the way," he said.
He also pointed to Cape Town's recently approved Manufacturing Support Policy as an example of how local government could support the ambitions of the AfCFTA by strengthening supply chains and encouraging local production.
"If we want to trade more with Africa, we must produce more in Africa. That means supporting manufacturers, strengthening supply chains, and creating the conditions for businesses to invest and grow," Vos said.
According to the City, exports from the Western Cape reached R219.7 billion in 2025, up from R160.9bn in 2021.
Vos said Africa's growing aviation market reinforced the case for Open Skies, citing International Air Transport Association (IATA) figures showing that African airlines recorded a 6.7% year-on-year increase in passenger demand in June 2026, outperforming the global market despite accounting for only 2.2% of global passenger traffic.
"The AfCFTA gives us the framework. Now we need action, better connectivity, stronger manufacturing, improved logistics and cities that are ready to support growth," he said.
