The long-awaited tripartite free trade area (FTA) between three regional African blocs is expected to launch in May in Cairo, Egypt, according to a senior African Union (AU) official.

The establishment of the free trade area between the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), the East African Community (EAC), and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) is aimed at boosting intra-African trade.

Fatima Haram Acyl, AU Commissioner for Trade and Industry said that the tripartite free trade area is something to be encouraged as a roadmap for the continental free trade area in Africa.

“This is something to be encouraged because as a roadmap for the continental free trade area, this is the first point that was noted by the member states, by the heads of states. We are very happy that it will advance and we are launching this tripartite FTA in May of 2015 in Cairo,” she said.

According to the commissioner, she said that her department has made progress in promoting intra-African trade and that the commission is aiming to provide a common AU passport to facilitate a continental free movement of people across the borders of the respective African countries which will enhance trade within Africa.