Hard truths. Bold Insights. Real talk.
The declaration adopted on May 12, 2026 outlines a joint framework meant to guide cooperation in peace and security, industrial development, climate action, digital transformation, and economic progress. Leaders stressed the need to strengthen Africa’s voice in institutions where key global decisions are made.
The request, signed by Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, seeks inclusion of the matter on the agenda of the Eighth Mid-Year Coordination Meeting of the African Union scheduled for June 24–June 27,2026 in El Alamein, Egypt.
The meeting brought together diplomats, business leaders and financial stakeholders to explore SME financing, digital finance solutions and cross-border partnerships under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) framework.
Speaking on Radio Generation on Wednesday, Oyoo criticised slow progress in continental institutions such as the African Union (AU) and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), noting that African countries still trade more with external partners than with each other and that visa restrictions continue to make intra-African travel expensive and difficult.
The African Continental Free Trade Area is a flagship AU initiative designed to create a single market for goods and services across the continent, boosting economic growth and industrial development.
The facility, approved by the Bank’s Board of Directors, will allow Equity Bank (Kenya) Limited to issue guarantees of up to 100 percent to confirming banks, covering non-payment risks linked to Letters of Credit and similar trade finance instruments.