The African Continental Free Trade area is expected to generate a range of socio-economic development benefits through supporting trade creation, structural transformation, productive employment and poverty reduction. The realization of these benefits, however, will require quick ratification and effective implementation of the agreement, which was signed by African Heads of State in March this year. In this context, there is an urgent need to build on the current political momentum to support expeditious and timely ratification and implementation of the AfCFTA agreement. The Forum will support this through (a) advocating for AfCFTA ratification and implementation by bringing together policy makers, private sector, civil society and other stakeholders from African countries, and (b) identifying what is required from policymakers and the private sector in order to ensure that the AfCFTA contributes to Africa’s socio-economic development.