The Pan-African Parliament will conclude its latest session as the body strives to promote and implement the African Continental Free Trade Area- Photo: Phill Magakoe/AFP via Getty Images

Pan-African Parliament (PAP) will conclude its current session today.

The PAP was established by the African Heads of State in 2004, as the legislative Body of the African Union (AU) and combines five Members of Parliament from each of the fifty-five Member States of the organisation.

This year’s PAP began on 6th March in Midrand, South Africa, the headquarters of the institution. The agenda for the parliament was outlined by PAP president Chief Fortune Charumbira, focusing on the role of the PAP in developing programmes to implement African Union initiatives, such as the promotion of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Acceleration of the AfCFTA Implementation is the key theme of the year for the AU in 2023. Whilst the PAP and AU have made significant progress with economic integration on the continent, concerns have grown about the slow progress of its implementation with only four countries ratifying the protocol on the movement of people. Discussions held at the PAP will likely push AfCFTA to front of mind for the member states, accelerating ratification of trade agreements. Expect next steps to involve implementing laws that make it easier to move from one country to another, along with removing laws that hinder cross-border movement. Regional integration will be critical to the success of AfCFTA as it leapfrogs barriers to trade that impede the movement of people, goods, services and expertise.