Economic Commission for Africa’s 52nd session to take place in Morocco’s Marrakech

The 52^nd session of the Economic Commission for Africa’s Conference of African Ministers of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, will take place in Marrakech, Morocco between March 20 and 26.

“Fiscal policy, trade and the private sector in the digital era: A strategy for Africa” is the theme of the session. Economic Commission for Africa’s Conference is aimed to provide an opportunity for the African ministers to examine the fiscal policies necessary for the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area. This is within the frameworks of the 2030 Agenda for sustainable development and Africa’s development programme, Agenda 2063, and the critical role of private sector in the era of the digital economy, as reported by The New Times.

The African Continental Free Trade Area is likely to reach the minimum required ratifications as early as possible to come into effect since 19 countries have already ratified the agreement. With three additional signatures, the agreement could come into effect.

On the other hand, the discussions during the 2019 Council of Ministers will reportedly focus on effective fiscal policy for growth in Africa. “With its changing economic basis, Africa needs to renew its fiscal policy in order to align with the economic order and to meet its needs for investments and growth,” Vera Songwe, Executive Secretary of Economic Commission for Africa said.

The upcoming conference will hold plenary sessions on sub-themes including 16 side-events on diverse issues affecting African economies.

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