ZMX to host landmark A-ACX indaba

IN a major step towards strengthening intra-African trade and economic resilience, Zimbabwe will host the AfCFTA Association of African Commodity Exchanges (A-ACX) annual conference in Victoria Falls next month.

Running from 26 to 27 March, the conference will feature high level continental and global speakers and panellists ranging from commodities exchanges, financial and logistics services providers, Government officials and many others in the commodities value chains.

The Zimbabwe Mercantile Exchange (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.

AfCFTA

The conference would run under the theme: “Scaling Intra-African Trade: Leveraging Commodity Exchanges for Economic Resilience and Growth,” and reflects the shared vision of enhancing Africa’s trade ecosystem.

In a statement, ZMX said the high-level 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.

“The conference will feature a diverse array of sessions, discussions, and networking opportunities designed to share knowledge, build capacity and explore innovative strategies for market development,” said ZMX in a statement.

“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.

“It is also expected to attract investments in commodities and natural resources, sectors vital to Zimbabwe’s economy.”
The decision to select Zimbabwe for this momentous event underscores the country’s growing influence in the continental commodities market and its commitment to the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

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.

“Zimbabwe, through the ZMX, has been a key contributor to the A-ACX’s initiatives. As the host nation, the country is tasked with managing a comprehensive agenda for the conference, which will bring together key stakeholders, including commodity exchange leaders, policymakers and international organisations,” said ZMX.

“The conference will also provide a boost to Zimbabwe’s tourism and hospitality sectors, welcoming delegates from across the continent. Additionally, local stakeholders will have the opportunity to engage with international experts, gaining valuable insights and skills to further develop Zimbabwe’s commodities market.”-chronccle