With the aim of building the African Continental Free Trade Area (Zlecaf), the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) assured African countries on Friday, November 17, 2023, in Addis Ababa, of its support for the development of national and regional strategies.

During the work of the 18th African Economic Conference, ECA Executive Secretary Claver Gatete indicated that the African Continental Free Trade Area has the potential to transform Africa's economic situation. For the latter, Zlecaf can improve the services needed for the industrialization of the continent and create markets for trade, innovation and development. According to him, “the implementation of the free trade agreement is a crucial step for the Member States”. He believes that ECA can provide multifaceted support to countries and regional organizations, such as the Economic Community of West African States style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style”, "serif"">, for example.