The Africa World Trade Network (AWTN) has partnered the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) secretariat to accelerate intra-regional trade and investment through exhibitions, meetings and events.
The partnership seeks to mobilise private sector actors across Africa to drive the attainment of strategic objectives which underpin the Africa Continental Free Trade Area Agreement.
The partnership between AWTN and the AfCFTA secretariat is meant to work toward three common objectives which support continental trade and investment promotions across Africa and promote overall objectives of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area Agreement:
- To co-organise and host forums that support continental trade and investment promotions in Africa and promote the overall objectives of the AfCFTA Agreement
- To support the growth and development of Africa’s commercial community; and
- To collaborate on matters of common interest in the pursuance of enhancing intra-trade in the continent.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Board Chair of AWTN, Otwasuom Osae Nyampong VI said: “Intra-regional trade promises a real win for Africa, and the AfCFTA Secretariat is at the forefront of this significant progress in the continent’s history; it is a second Pan-African victory after Independence. AWTN on its part has recognised this watershed moment and will act as a catalyst to boost trade relations among member-states and businesses across the continent”.
Otwasuom Osae Nyampong VI emphasised: “Like the AfCFTA Secretariat, AWTN is headquartered in Accra – which has been recognised as an exemplar of transformative development in the sub-region. In this partnership, AWTN commits to initiate and escalate innovative programmes to mobilise investment opportunities which will enhance sustainable trade across Africa as envisioned by the AfCFTA.”
On his part, Wamkele Mene – Secretary-General of the AfCFTA Secretariat – reiterated his commitment to ensuring the AfCFTA is effectively implemented such that there is shared and inclusive economic growth. He underscored: “After many years of talks and negotiations, we are now focussed on rolling out the AfCFTA across the continent”, and identified young Africans and women in trade as segments of society which must benefit from implementation of the Agreement. Secretary-General Mene further noted: “It is Africa’s time, and through the AfCFTA we have a unique opportunity to turn a new page on Africa’s economic development and growth trajectory”.
Mr. Mene further articulated the need to enhance platforms of engagement between the public and private sectors. He highlighted: “It is for this reason that partnerships such as this between the private sector, government and developmental institutions are needed to help collaborate and find solutions for our daily challenges”.
Source: bftonline.com
