African Inclusive Markets Excellence Centre

AIMEC is An African Union institution promoting inclusive & sustainable markets across Africa, empowering SMEs through policy, knowledge & capacity building.

[African Inclusive Markets Excellence Centre @AUAIMEC]

Discover the African Inclusive Market Excellence Center (AIMEC) — advancing inclusive and sustainable markets across Africa. Watch our introductory video to learn more about our mission and vision.

[African Inclusive Markets Excellence Centre @AUAIMEC]

The forum highlighted opportunities to strengthen Tunisian, Arab and African partnerships and promote investment in agricultural production, agro-industry and modern technologies. #AIMEC #Agriculture #AfricanInvestment #InclusiveMarkets

[African Inclusive Markets Excellence Centre @AUAIMEC]

At the invitation of Tunisia’s Minister of Agriculture, Amb. Dr. Yousif ElKordofani, Executive Director of AIMEC, participated in the Agricultural Partnership Forum held during #SIAT2026,

[African Inclusive Markets Excellence Centre @AUAIMEC]

alongside Senegal’s Minister of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Livestock, H.E. Dr. Cheikhou Oumar Ba, the Arab Authority for Agricultural Investment and Development, and private-sector stakeholders.

[African Union @_AfricanUnion]

The Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, @ymahmoudali, was received this evening by H.E. Vladimir Putin, President of the #Russian Federation, at the Kremlin in Moscow, on the occasion of the 3rd Russia–Africa Summit.

The Chairperson’s participation in the Summit underscores the AU’s commitment to strengthening international partnerships, advancing Africa’s strategic priorities, and fostering mutually beneficial cooperation in support of peace, security & sustainable development.

Earlier in the day, on the margins of the Summit, the Chairperson & the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, H.E. Sergey Lavrov, signed the Russia–African Union Commission Plan of Action for 2027–2029, outlining key areas of cooperation, including technology, education, agriculture, & peace & security. The Plan provides a framework for deepening dialogue, strengthening & institutional cooperation.

Read @ https://t.co/8ezIqE2sof

[African Inclusive Markets Excellence Centre @AUAIMEC]

He underscored the importance of #AfCFTA and #PAPSS in facilitating cross-border trade and advancing Africa’s integrated, prosperous future.

AIMEC remains committed to fostering inclusive business and expanding market opportunities for all, in line with #Agenda2063.

[African Inclusive Markets Excellence Centre @AUAIMEC]

On 22 October 2026, Amb. Dr. Yousif ElKordofani, Executive Director of AIMEC, highlighted the role of inclusive markets in advancing food security, empowering SMEs and farmers, and strengthening regional grain value chains during the North African Grain Council (NAGC) webinar.

[African Union @_AfricanUnion]

H.E. Amb. Selma Malika Haddadi, Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission, addressed the 2nd eGumeni Dialogue held this week at the AU Headquarters in Addis Ababa under the theme "Building a Resilient Africa Through Accelerated Women's Financial and Economic Inclusion."

In her remarks, the Deputy Chairperson @DCP_Haddadi reaffirmed that Africa cannot achieve its economic ambitions while millions of women remain excluded from the opportunities that drive growth and prosperity. She commended H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, @ymahmoudali Chairperson of the AUC, for his continued commitment to gender equality and women's economic empowerment.

Emphasising that women's economic empowerment is not merely a matter of social justice but an economic imperative and a strategic priority for Africa's transformation, H.E. the Deputy Chairperson called for stronger political commitment and coordinated action—in line with Agenda 2063, the Maputo Protocol and AU frameworks—to advance women's financial and economic inclusion, leveraging the African Women's Decade and the WYFEI 2030 Initiative.

She further stressed that lasting progress requires dialogue, collective action and placing women entrepreneurs at the centre of economic inclusion policies, urging the translation of commitments into tangible results.

During the Dialogue, H.E. the Deputy Chairperson presented awards to Algeria, Botswana, Seychelles, Mozambique, Tunisia, Cameroon, Zimbabwe and Rwanda in recognition of their efforts to advance women's financial and economic inclusion in line with Agenda 2063 and the WYFEI 2030 Initiative.

Read @ https://t.co/XwLaeKYhSR

#Agenda2063 #WYFEI2030 #WomenEmpowerment #eGumeniDialogue #AUC

[African Inclusive Markets Excellence Centre @AUAIMEC]

The engagement aims to advance inclusive markets, empower African SMEs, promote sustainable growth, and accelerate intra-African trade in support of the #AfCFTA and #Agenda 2063.

#AIMEC #Afreximbank #PAPSS #AfricanUnion #InclusiveMarkets #AfCFTA #IntraAfricanTrade #AUMYCM

[African Inclusive Markets Excellence Centre @AUAIMEC]

Following the 8th African Union Mid-Year Coordination Meeting in El Alamein, Egypt (3–4 October), Amb. Dr. Yousif ElKordofani, Executive Director of AIMEC, met with H.E. Dr. George Elombi, President of Afreximbank, @afreximbank Headquarters to explore strategic cooperation.

[African Inclusive Markets Excellence Centre @AUAIMEC]

Great policies exist across Africa, but they often work in isolation.

AIMEC, the African Union’s Inclusive Markets Excellence Centre, will connect, replicate and scale what works, for inclusive growth in line with #Agenda2063 and the #SDGs.

Watch 👇
#AIMEC
#AU #AfCFTA

[African Union @_AfricanUnion]

The African Union at Africa Skills Week 2026!

From continental dialogue to meaningful engagement, African Union representatives are at #ASW2026 in Harare, Zimbabwe, joining leaders, policymakers, industry stakeholders, and young innovators in advancing Africa’s skills development agenda.

As Africa works towards an integrated, prosperous continent, investing in skills, empowering young people, and strengthening partnerships remain essential to unlocking the continent’s full potential.

A glimpse of the African Union’s engagement at #ASW2026.

#AfricanUnion #AfSkillsWeek2026 #Agenda2063

[African Union @_AfricanUnion]

At the ongoing 2026 World Bank Group–IMF Annual Meetings in Bangkok, Thailand, H.E. Amb. Selma Malika Haddadi, @DCP_Haddadi, Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission, participated in the African Caucus Meeting with the President of the World Bank Group, Mr. Ajay Banga.

The high-level discussions focused on Africa’s key development priorities, including mobilising private capital to unlock greater investment, creating sustainable jobs for Africa’s growing youth population through skills development and support for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), and accelerating industrialisation, mineral beneficiation and local value addition.

Emphasis was also placed on developing strategic economic corridors to drive infrastructure development, regional integration, private investment and industrialisation, while creating sustainable jobs, particularly for Africa’s youth.

The African Caucus further underscored the need to scale up investment and development financing for Africa, including through IDA22, to advance structural economic transformation and inclusive growth.

In his remarks, President Ajay Banga emphasised the importance of strengthening collaboration with and through the African Union, rather than pursuing fragmented initiatives across the continent. He highlighted the commitment of the World Bank Group and IMF leadership to a more coordinated and strategic approach to engagement with Africa, while acknowledging the strong commitment of the new African Union Commission leadership to strengthening cooperation with the World Bank Group and the AU’s central role in advancing continental development priorities.

The @_AfricanUnion remains committed to deepening its strategic partnership with the @WorldBankGroup to translate Africa’s priorities into tangible investments, sustainable jobs and greater economic opportunities for its people, in line with #Agenda2063.

Read @ https://t.co/pJLjhKVsOT

#WBGMeetings #IMFMeetings #AfricanCaucus #AfricanUnion #InvestInAfrica #JobsForAfrica #PrivateCapitalMobilisation

[African Union @_AfricanUnion]

H.E. Selma Malika Haddadi, @DCP_Haddadi, Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission, leads the African Union delegation to the 2026 IMF–World Bank Annual Meetings in Bangkok, #Thailand.

The AU delegation will engage partners and stakeholders to advance Africa’s priorities, including development financing, private capital mobilization, job creation, regional integration and reform of the global financial architecture.

The African Union will continue to advocate for stronger partnerships and increased investment to support Agenda 2063 and Africa’s transformation.

Read @ https://t.co/CTF5GjIQfp

#Africa #Agenda2063 #WBGMeetings #IMFMeetings #Bangkok2026 @WBG_Digital @IMFNews

[African Union @_AfricanUnion]

Representing H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, @ymahmoudali, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Amb. Selma Malika Haddadi, @DCP_Haddadi Deputy Chairperson, participated in the opening ceremony of the African Seed Summit, held on 6 October 2026 in the Kingdom of Eswatini, graced by His Majesty King Mswati III. The ceremony brought together African Union leadership, the Government of the Kingdom of Eswatini and key stakeholders, ahead of the Ministerial Session.

Held under the theme “Resilient Seed Systems for a Food-Secure Africa,” the Summit reflected the African Union’s commitment, in line with the Executive Council’s decision, to deepen engagement and investment in Africa’s seed sector.

It underscored a fundamental truth: Africa’s food security begins with the seed. Building resilient and productive agricultural systems requires sustained investment, innovation, stronger institutions and, above all, effective implementation.

We must move beyond policies on paper to ensure that quality seed reaches farmers. Progress should be measured not only by the commitments made, but by their tangible impact on farmers’ fields, livelihoods and communities.

The Summit therefore provides an important platform to renew our collective commitment to resilient seed systems and to translate that commitment into concrete actions, investments and measurable results that empower farmers and strengthen the continent’s agricultural resilience.

Read @ https://t.co/86yECzrGMm

[African Union @_AfricanUnion]

8th AU Mid-Year Coordination Meeting Reaffirms Commitment to Continental Integration and Agenda 2063.

The Eighth (8th) Mid-Year Coordination Meeting (#AUMYCM) between the African Union (AU), the Regional Economic Communities (RECs), and the Regional Mechanisms (RMs) took place on 4 October 2026 in El-Alamein, Arab Republic of #Egypt. Hosted by H.E. Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, President of the Arab Republic of Egypt, the meeting convened African Heads of State and Government, the leadership of the African Union Commission, Chairpersons and representatives of the RECs and RMs, and senior representatives of AU institutions and partners. Its objective was to advance continental integration and the implementation of Agenda 2063, The Africa We Want.

In his opening remarks, H.E. President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, @AlsisiOfficial, welcomed African leaders and delegations to Egypt and underscored the importance of strengthening coordination among the African Union, Regional Economic Communities and Regional Mechanisms. He stressed that such coordination must translate shared aspirations into concrete, implementable projects that deliver tangible benefits to African peoples, moving the continent from fragmented efforts towards greater integration. Citing New Alamein as an example of transformation through development, investment, innovation and sustainable urban development, President El-Sisi highlighted the importance of peace, sovereignty, territorial integrity, good-neighbourly relations, dialogue and respect for international law in addressing differences, including those concerning borders and shared natural resources. He further emphasised the interdependence of peace, economic integration and development, calling for Africa to move beyond its traditional role as a supplier of raw materials by strengthening manufacturing, developing integrated value chains, adding value to its resources within the continent, promoting technology transfer and expanding intra-African trade, with the private sector, investors and financial institutions playing a central role.

H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, @ymahmoudali, on his part, underscored the strategic importance of the MYCM as a principal platform for strengthening cooperation, coordination and policy coherence between the AU, RECs and RMs. He stressed that the rapidly evolving geopolitical environment requires Africa to deepen collective reflection, strengthen institutional coordination and enhance its capacity to respond effectively to challenges affecting peace, security, stability and socio-economic development.

The Chairperson emphasised the need to translate continental commitments into tangible results for African citizens, stating that “Africa’s integration agenda must move decisively from aspiration to implementation.”He further highlighted the importance of a clear and effective division of labour between the AU, RECs and RMs, based on the principles of subsidiarity, complementarity and comparative advantage, while avoiding duplication and ensuring greater coherence in the implementation of continental priorities.

H.E. President Évariste Ndayishimiye, Chairperson of the African Union and President of the Republic of Burundi, @GeneralNeva, expressed appreciation to President El-Sisi, the Government and people of Egypt for their warm hospitality and the successful organisation of the Meeting. He underscored the importance of close coordination among the AU, RECs and RMs, describing the Mid-Year Coordination Meeting as a principal framework for harmonising continental efforts and advancing the integration agenda. President Ndayishimiye identified inadequate productive capacity, infrastructure deficits, insufficient financing, challenges related to shared water resources, insecurity and conflicts as major obstacles to integration. He stressed that establishing a continental free-trade area alone would not be sufficient, emphasising that Africa must produce, transform and add value to its resources within the continent. He therefore called for stronger productive and manufacturing capacity, increased investment, technology transfer, improved infrastructure and greater intra-African trade, highlighting the importance of interconnected roads, railways, energy networks, ports and digital infrastructure to facilitate the movement of people, goods and services and unlock the full potential of the AfCFTA.

The Meeting reaffirmed that accelerated continental integration remains central to the realisation of Agenda 2063 and its Second Ten-Year Implementation Plan. It stressed the need to strengthen coordination among the AU, RECs, RMs and Member States and to accelerate implementation of agreed continental and regional frameworks, programmes and legal instruments.

Particular emphasis was placed on advancing the African Continental Free Trade Area (@AfCFTA) as a key driver of economic integration and sustainable development. The Meeting welcomed progress in advancing preferential trade arrangements and called for further efforts to remove unjustified and unnecessary non-tariff barriers, improve trade facilitation, strengthen cross-border payment systems and promote regional value chains. It also encouraged African enterprises, including small and medium-sized enterprises, to increase investment in innovation, production and value addition in order to expand intra-African trade.

The Meeting underscored that Africa’s economic integration must be accompanied by increased productive and manufacturing capacity. The continent’s substantial natural resources, human capital and growing markets should be leveraged to strengthen African value chains, promote industrialisation, facilitate technology transfer, create employment and increase the capacity of Member States to add value to their resources within the continent.

The Meeting also reaffirmed the importance of infrastructure development, regional connectivity and digital integration as essential foundations for continental integration. It called for accelerated investment in cross-border infrastructure and transport corridors, the operationalisation of the Single African Air Transport Market and strengthened digital connectivity and inclusion.

On water and sanitation, the Meeting reaffirmed the importance of ensuring sustainable water availability, safe sanitation and hygiene services in support of the objectives of Agenda 2063. It emphasised strengthened governance, accountability and monitoring systems, climate-resilient water resources planning, integrated water resources management and transboundary cooperation. Particular attention was called for to the needs of women, youth, schools and vulnerable communities.

The Meeting further recognised that peace and security remain indispensable to Africa’s development and integration. It reaffirmed the important role of the Regional Mechanisms in strengthening continental peace and security architecture and called for enhanced coordination between the RMs and AU peace and security institutions. The Meeting emphasised the importance of preventive diplomacy, conflict prevention, early warning and early action in addressing emerging threats to peace and stability across the continent.

On financing for development, the Meeting recognised the critical role of the African Development Bank and other African financial institutions in mobilising sustainable and innovative resources for the implementation of Agenda 2063, the AfCFTA, regional infrastructure projects, industrialisation and economic integration. It called for strengthened partnerships and coordinated efforts to mobilise financing for high-impact continental and regional programmes and encouraged Member States to advance, in accordance with their respective constitutional and legal procedures, the ratification of the legal instruments establishing the African Financial Institutions.

The meeting considered the status of the division of labour between the AU, RECs/RMs and Member States. It reaffirmed the principles of subsidiarity, complementarity and comparative advantage as essential to ensuring an effective and coherent continental governance architecture. It requested the African Union Commission to finalise the relevant guidelines on the division of labour and report on progress to the Ninth MYCM.

The Meeting welcomed the adoption by the United Nations General Assembly of Resolution A/80/L.104, entitled “Correct the map: rebalancing global cartographic representation and promoting equitable representation of the world’s regions, particularly Africa,” recognising the resolution as a tangible contribution to addressing historical distortions in the representation of the African continent and to advancing the implementation of the relevant AU decision.

The meeting finally considered and adopted its Declaration, reaffirming the collective commitment of the African Union, RECs, RMs and Member States to advancing continental integration, strengthening institutional coordination and promoting sustainable development, peace and prosperity across Africa.

The eighth MYCM concluded with renewed determination to translate Africa’s shared aspirations into concrete action and measurable results. The Meeting reaffirmed that effective coordination among the AU, RECs, RMs and Member States is essential to accelerating the implementation of Agenda 2063 and building a more integrated, prosperous, peaceful and resilient Africa.

Read @ https://t.co/EsLv7pGyMg

@SADC_News @The_EastAfrican @ecowas_cedeao

[AfCFTA Secretariat Official @AfCFTA]

From commitments to coordinated implementation: Africa’s integration agenda depends on the AU, Regional Economic Communities and Regional Mechanisms moving together.

H.E. @MeneWamkele , Secretary-General of the AfCFTA Secretariat, attended the Eighth (8th) African Union Mid-Year Coordination Meeting on 4 October 2026 in El-Alamein, Arab Republic of Egypt.

Hon Dr. @MusaliaMudavadi , E.G.H., Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs of the Republic of Kenya, representing H.E. President William Ruto as Chairperson of the AU Assembly Committee on #AfCFTA Implementation and Continental Integration, presented the report on AfCFTA implementation. H.E. Issoufou Mahamadou, AU Champion on the AfCFTA, outlined priorities for accelerating implementation.

The meeting acknowledged progress and emphasised the need to expedite ratification of the legal instruments arising from the Phase II negotiations. It also highlighted the role of AfCFTA implementation, productive capacity, value addition and deeper intra-African trade in reducing Africa’s trade deficits with the rest of the world.

The Mid-Year Coordination Meeting is a principal @_AfricanUnion platform for coordinating the continental integration agenda. It brings together the AU, Regional Economic Communities and Regional Mechanisms to review progress, align priorities and strengthen policy coherence and the division of labour required to advance Agenda 2063.

The Eighth Meeting considered the state of continental integration and priorities including AfCFTA implementation, regional value chains, cross-border trade and payments, industrial development, infrastructure and digital connectivity, peace and security, water and sanitation, and sustainable financing. This coordination is critical to ensuring that continental commitments are translated into practical implementation at regional and national levels.

#AfCFTA #AfricanIntegration #Agenda2063 #8thMYCM

[African Union @_AfricanUnion]

On the sidelines of the 8th Mid-Year Coordination Meeting In Al-Alamein #AUMYCM, the Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, @ymahmoudali, met with Dr Sidi Ould Tah, President of the African Development Bank Group. @AfDB_Group

Discussions focused on strengthening the AU–AfDB partnership, mobilising financing for priority African projects, reducing the cost of capital through guarantees & risk-sharing mechanisms, and accelerating implementation of joint commitments in support of Agenda 2063.

Read @ https://t.co/3q1NiEnxKH

[African Inclusive Markets Excellence Centre @AUAIMEC]

During the meeting, the two sides discussed opportunities to strengthen cooperation between the African Inclusive Markets Excellence Centre (AIMEC) and Equatorial Guinea, with a particular focus on promoting inclusive economic development and enhancing regional engagement.

[African Inclusive Markets Excellence Centre @AUAIMEC]

AIMEC Executive Director, Amb. Dr. Yousif ElKordofani, paid a courtesy visit to H.E. Gertrudis Nsang Ndong Nsuga, Ambassador of Equatorial Guinea to Tunisia.

[AfCFTA Secretariat Official @AfCFTA]

Building the bridge between SMEs and opportunity.
What does it take to prepare African SMEs to participate in the AfCFTA market?

Hear from Business Support Organisations, development partners and the SADC Secretariat as they share their perspectives on the SME Booster Initiative, from building investor readiness and export readiness to value addition and the importance of taking the AfCFTA conversation to more businesses.

The Southern Africa Cohort, held in #Botswana, was implemented through a collaborative partnership between the @AfCFTA Secretariat, Ministry of Trade and Entrepreneurship, Botswana (@OfficialMTEBW); @Afreximbank; the European Union Delegation to SADC (@EUinBotswana); the SADC Secretariat(@SADC_News ; @ITCnews ; the @BetterThan_Cash Alliance; and @UNDPAfrica .

#AfCFTA #SMEBooster #AfricanSMEs #IntraAfricanTrade #RoadtoBiashara