ZIMBABWE will host the annual conference of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Association of African Commodity Exchanges (A-ACX) in March, with the aim of boosting intra-African trade and economic resilience.
The AfCFTA is a free trade agreement that seeks to eliminate trade barriers and foster economic integration across Africa.
In a Press statement, Zimbabwe Mercantile Exchange Private Limited (ZMX) said the country hosting this event would be a major step towards strengthening intra-African trade and economic resilience.
ZMX, launched on October 18, 2021, operates an electronic warehouse receipt system (WRS) and a commodity trading platform for the trading and financing of agricultural commodities.
“In a major step towards strengthening intra-African trade and economic resilience, Zimbabwe has been selected to host the AfCFTA Association of African Commodity Exchanges (A-ACX) annual conference in March this year,” ZMX said.
“Running from March 26 to 27, 2025, at the Elephant Hills Hotel in the resort town of Victoria Falls, the conference will feature high-level continental and global speakers and panellists, including representatives from commodities exchanges, financial and logistics service providers, government officials, and other stakeholders in the commodities value chain.”
ZMX noted that the decision to select Zimbabwe for the conference underscored the country’s growing influence in the continental commodities market.
The exchange further added that hosting the event showcased Zimbabwe’s commitment to the objectives of the AfCFTA.
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“The A-ACX, an alliance of commodity exchanges across Africa, was established to foster collaboration and alignment with AfCFTA’s broader goals of catalysing economic growth and promoting trade among African nations.
“The association aims to play a pivotal role in advancing intra-African trade in commodities and related services, providing a platform for innovation, market development, and regional economic integration,” ZMX explained.
“The theme of the upcoming conference, Scaling Intra-African Trade: Leveraging Commodity Exchanges for Economic Resilience and Growth, reflects the shared vision of enhancing Africa’s trade ecosystem.
“The event is set to address critical issues such as harmonising trade practices across African markets, building pan-African supply chains, promoting investment in the continent’s abundant resources, and advocating for policy reforms to unlock the potential of regional trade.”
Zimbabwe, through the ZMX, has been a key contributor to the A-ACX’s initiatives.
As the host nation, Zimbabwe is tasked with managing a comprehensive agenda for the conference, which will bring together key stakeholders, including commodity exchange leaders, policymakers, and international organisations.
“Hosting the A-ACX Annual Conference represents a significant milestone for Zimbabwe, offering numerous benefits. Zimbabwe will showcase its contributions to the continent’s commodities market, highlighting its innovative frameworks and market development strategies,” ZMX added.
“It is also expected to attract investments in commodities and natural resources, sectors vital to Zimbabwe’s economy. The ZMX, which has been at the forefront of transforming Zimbabwe's commodities market, will gain a platform to highlight its innovative frameworks and inspire other African nations.”
ZMX said the conference would also provide a boost to Zimbabwe’s tourism and hospitality sectors.
“Additionally, local stakeholders will have the opportunity to engage with international experts, gaining valuable insights and skills to further develop Zimbabwe’s commodities market,” ZMX continued.
