AfCFTA secretariat encourages SMEs to collaborate and embrace agreement

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AfCFTA secretariat encourages SMEs to collaborate and embrace agreement: Ghana News
Mr. Silver Ojakol, Chief of Staff of the AfCFTA Secretariat | Photo: Modern Ghana

The Africa Continental Free Trade Area () Secretariat has called upon Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to collaborate and embrace the principles of the Agreement to overcome trade barriers.

Mr. Silver Ojakol, Chief of Staff of the Secretariat, emphasized that the agreement was not solely for large corporations but designed to benefit women and young men who face daily challenges when trading across African borders.

Speaking at the 2023 Regional Integration Issues Forum (RIIF), also known as the SME Conference, held in under the theme “Breaking Business Barriers for AfCFTA Acceleration,” Mr. Ojakol highlighted the importance of the AfCFTA for SMEs.

RIIF serves as a platform to increase awareness of the AfCFTA and its benefits for SMEs while strengthening their capacity to engage in intra-African trade.

The conference, organized by the Centre for Regional Integration Africa (CRIA), the African Capacity Building Foundation (ACBF), in collaboration with the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA), and the AfCFTA Secretariat, brought together over 150 participants from across Africa, including government officials, business leaders, academia, and civil society representatives.

Topics discussed included trade barriers, infrastructure, and access to finance, with a focus on the potential for increased intra-African trade.

Mr. Ian Mashingaidze, Interim Director of Programs at ACBF, emphasized the organization's commitment to capacity building and its role in supporting the AfCFTA implementation process.

Prof. Lehlohonolo Tlou, Executive Director at CRIA, stressed the importance of equipping SMEs with the skills and knowledge to break down trade barriers and foster regional value chains.

Prof. Samuel Bonsu, Rector at GIMPA, highlighted Africa's youthful population and the significant potential for intra-African trade to transform resources into better value.

The AfCFTA Secretariat encouraged SMEs to recognize the opportunities offered by the agreement and work collaboratively to drive economic growth and development across the continent.

  • Reporting by Morkporkpor Anku : Editing by Adejoke Adewale

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