MoCI Concludes Three-Day Workshop on Trade in Services
The Deputy Minister for Commerce & Trade Services at the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Wilmot A. Reeves, says the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) represents one of the most transformative economic initiatives undertaken on the African continent since the birth of the African Union. Deputy Minister Reeves added that AfCFTA presents a historic opportunity to deepen intra-African trade, promote industrialization, facilitate investment flows, create jobs, and strengthen Africa’s position within the global economy.
Deputizing for Commerce & Industry Minister Magdalene E.Dagoseh, he said Liberia does not only see AfCFTA as a mere trade agreement, but a strategic instrument for economic diversification, private sector development, value addition, innovation, and inclusive growth. Mr. Reeves made the statement recently in Monrovia at the official opening of a three-day workshop on Regulatory Audit Report on Trade In Services under AfCFTA. He told the participants that the African Continental Free Trade Area aligns strongly with Liberia’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development, particularly Pillar One on Economic Transformation.
Retrospectively, Deputy Minister Reeves mentioned that Liberia took a major step by ratifying the AfCFTA Agreement in July 2023 and subsequently deposited its Instrument of Ratification in 2024. “In 2025, Liberia officially launched its AfCFTA National Implementation Strategy, which provides a comprehensive roadmap for harnessing the opportunities presented by the continental common market, “he said.
Touching on the focus of the workshop, he disclosed that Liberia has submitted its schedules of commitments under the Trade in Services negotiations, reaffirming the country’s commitment to participating actively in the progressive liberalization of services across the continent. “Trade in services is increasingly becoming a critical driver of economic growth, competitiveness, and employment globally, “he added.
He said sectors such as finance, telecommunications, transport, tourism, professional services, education, digital services, logistics, and creative industries are central to modern economic transformation. The three-day workshop, held in collaboration with ECOWAS Commission & UNDP ran from May 11-13, 2026, under the theme: “Strengthening Liberia’s Services Sector Competitiveness through Regulatory Reform and AfCFTA Integration.
