Online Reporter
Business Writer
PREPARATIONS for the upcoming AfCFTA Association of Commodity Exchanges (A-ACX) Annual Conference, set to take place this month in Victoria Falls are progressing well.
The inaugural programme is set to bring together key industry players from across the continent.
The Zimbabwe Mercantile Exchange (ZMX) will host the event and has announced that Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Minister, Dr Anxious Masuka, will be the guest speaker.
“His presence underscores the importance of the event in advancing Africa’s agricultural and trade agenda, as well as Zimbabwe’s commitment to fostering economic growth through commodity exchange platforms,” said ZMX in a statement.
“A high-powered delegation from the AfCFTA led by the head of market access, directorate of trade in goods and competition, AfCFTA secretariat, Joyce Letswalo, would grace the prestigious event.
“Other key presenters include Ghana Commodity Exchange chief executive officer, Tucci Ivowi, global expert in commodity trade and finance, Adam Gross, ZIDA chief executive officer, Tafadzwa Chinamo, Johannesburg Securities Exchange (JSE) head of commodities in the capital markets division Anelisa Matutu, commodities and derivatives markets expert Dr Bharat Kulkarni and ZMX CEO, Mr Collen Tapfumaneyi.”
The conference will run under the theme: “Scaling Intra-African Trade: Leveraging Commodity Exchanges for Economic Resilience and Growth”, which highlights the role of commodity exchanges in strengthening regional trade and advancing the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
“Delegates from all over the continent have already registered to attend, reflecting the growing interest in the discussions surrounding trade harmonization, investment opportunities, supply chain development, and policy frameworks to unlock Africa’s trade potential,” said ZMX.
“The conference will serve as a vital platform for networking, business linkages, and strategic collaborations among policymakers, financial and logistics experts, and international organizations.”
As the host country, Zimbabwe is ready to showcase its contributions to Africa’s commodity markets, emphasizing its innovative market structures and strategic policies aimed at enhancing agricultural and resource-based trade.
The event is expected to further position Zimbabwe as a key player in intra-African commerce and attract investments to its crucial economic sectors.
