MEETING WITH THW FRIENDS OF AFRICA GROUP AT THE OECD

MEETING WITH THW FRIENDS OF AFRICA GROUP AT THE OECD

PARIS, 24TH APRIL 2026

Amb. Betty Cherwon, today had the honour of giving the closing remarks at the meeting of the Friends of Africa Group (FoAG) at the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). The meeting reflected on the key outcomes of the 14th WTO Ministerial Conference in Cameroon and the future of trade across Africa. The Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly of Kenya, Hon. Gladys-Boss Shollei, who was the Guest Speaker, provided a compelling illustration of policy in practice during her presentation on Kenya’s perspective. In her remarks, Amb. Cherwon informed that Africa’s regional integration is no longer aspirational, but actively unfolding, and must be supported by stronger alignment between global and regional institutions. Further, the Ambassador underscored the persistent challenges, including implementation gaps, capacity constraints, and external shocks facing intra-Africa trade. She called for a deeper collaboration, investment in knowledge-sharing, and commitment to a fair, inclusive, rules-based global trading system that delivers for everyone. FoAG is an informal coalition of member countries that share an interest in advancing Africa’s economic development and strengthening engagement between OECD and the continent. Amb. Cherwon is a co-facilitator of the Group alongside the Ambassadors of Benin and Switzerland.