AU summit kicks off with expectation of launching continental free trade area

Rwanda's minister of trade Vincent Munyeshyaka

African leaders are expected to sign an agreement that will launch the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) at an extraordinary summit of the African Union (AU) that started.

The summit started with a meeting of the Permanent Representatives Committee (PRC) of the AU, a preparatory meeting of the heads of state and government summit.

According to the summit agenda, the PRC meeting will be followed by the 18th Extraordinary Session of the Executive Council of the AU on March 19.

Heads of state and government will convene for the "historic" signing on March 21, the last day of the summit.

Before the agreement enters into force, AU member states shall ratify the agreement after the signing, according to Rwanda's minister of trade Vincent Munyeshyaka.