"As we announce the official launch of the AIDA/AfCFTA Standard Assessment Guide, we stand at a pivotal moment. This occasion allows us to not only highlight our significant strides but also reflect on how to capitalise on this advancement to foster economic integration, enhance trade, and promote sustainable development.  This effort seeks to unleash the immense potential of AfCFTA and AIDA, propelling sustainable development, GDP growth, job opportunities, and improving Africa’s resilience against future crises and shocks, as stipulated by Agenda 2063." H.E. Mrs Nardos Bekele-Thomas

In a significant step towards driving economic growth and transformation across Africa, the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD) has partnered with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat, the African Union Commission, and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to launch the "Standard Assessment Guide for Accelerated Industrial Development for Africa (AIDA) & the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)."

This landmark achievement took place during the AU Mid-Year Coordination Meeting in Accra, Ghana, on the 17th of July 2024, following the directives of the 17th Extraordinary Assembly of the AU Heads of State & Government on Industrialization and Economic Diversification, held on the 25th of November 2022 in Niamey, Niger. The mandate came in response to the slow progress in implementing programs relevant to industrialization, structural economic transformation, and development towards the AU aspirations in Agenda 2063.

The successful launch event builds upon the foundational Kick-off Workshop held in Kigali in September 2023, where key stakeholders gathered to set the strategic direction and objectives. Additionally, the various meetings of the Interorganizational Steering Committee have played a crucial role in coordinating efforts, sharing insights, and aligning our collective vision.

The guide, designed with four key principles, is a practical, user-friendly tool that delivers actionable insights for policymakers. It continuously engages with stakeholders, builds on AU initiatives and global benchmarks, and ensures seamless linkages between AfCFTA, AIDA, and other continental frameworks. This indispensable tool leverages best practices to revolutionize Africa's industrial and trade policy integration.

The overarching goal of this initiative is to unlock the immense potential of AfCFTA and AIDA, propelling sustainable development, GDP growth, job opportunities (especially for youth and women), and improving Africa’s resilience against future crises and shocks, as stipulated by Agenda 2063. Accelerating the progress of this project is undeniably imperative, not only to honor our commitment to our heads of state and government but also to navigate the current and incumbent challenges confronting Africa's economic transformation and integration agendas.

In conclusion, the official launch of the AUDA-NEPAD-led AIDA/AfCFTA Standard Assessment Guide marks the beginning of an exciting journey towards the accelerated implementation of AIDA and AfCFTA. While this achievement is significant, fully realizing the potential of AfCFTA and AIDA is a monumental endeavor that demands unwavering commitment and collaboration. Together, let's advance Africa's future and transform its economic landscape.