Nairobi, Kenya — 31 July 2026 — The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) this week convened a four-day capacity-building workshop for the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) Committee on Communication, Trade and Investment (CTI), held from 28 to 31 July 2026 in Nairobi, Kenya. The workshop was aimed at strengthening legislative support for, and accelerating the effective implementation of, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) across the region.
The workshop brought together Members of the Committee chaired by Hon. Francine Rutazana, to deepen their understanding of AfCFTA protocols and sharpen their oversight and legislative role in advancing regional trade integration. Discussions focused on practical strategies for translating continental trade commitments into national and regional legislative action, with particular emphasis on removing barriers to intra-regional trade and investment.
Speaking on the significance of the workshop, the Chair underscored the importance of equipping Members with the technical grounding needed to legislate effectively on trade and investment matters, noting that sustained parliamentary engagement is essential to translating the AfCFTA's promise into tangible benefits for citizens across the region.
Participants adopted a set of resolutions and recommendations aimed at guiding the Committee's continued oversight work, with a commitment to follow up on implementation progress in subsequent sittings.