It is interesting to point out that (AfCFTA) is one of the flagship Projects of Agenda 2063 Africa’s Development Framework. However, the full implementation of this ambitious goal still remains a challenge with obstacles here and there. With the largest free trade pact in the world in terms of the number of signatories, AFCTA is on track to position the continent into a modern hub, industrialised, cohesive, and influential player on the global stage.
It in the news that the Ministry of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration and Employment recently engaged students at the School of Business and Public Administration in the University of The Gambia on The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) at a day’s seminar held in Kanifing.
The move is not only timely but a step in the right direction. It is high time African countries who have not yet signed up to this agreement to do so in a broader move to turn the continent’s potential into reality.
It is an undisputable fact that the African continent trading among ourselves African remains one of the biggest obstacles hindering the development of the continent. In most countries trading among their neighbors plays a pivotal role in their wealth creation.
The AfCFTA aims at accelerating intra-African trade and boosting Africa’s trading position in the global market by strengthening Africa’s common voice and policy space in global trade negotiations.
Africans need to promote intra-African trade to promote inclusive growth and development. From the energy sector, agriculture, mining, industries and education, Africa is blessed with a lot of resources which if harnessed properly would turn our challenges into opportunities. But it takes only wise mind to come to the reality that trading among ourselves is the best thing to do in this day and age. Yes, it is bound to face challenges here and there. But with time, people would realise that its advantages far outweigh its disadvantages.
Thus, we commend the Ministry of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration and Employment for the foresight and staging such an interactive forum.
The participants engaged during the event are the future economists, politicians, lawyers, educationist who will grow to become responsible leaders and guide this great country of ours into the promised land.
Thus, availing them on such an important topic would only sharpen their minds by exposing them to basics on what this ambitious flagship Project of Agenda 2063 Africa’s Development Framework entails.
It is high time we promote intra-African trade for our own growth or continue to lag behind other continents. Exposing our future leaders to some of this important continental agenda, would only expose them, prepare them and make them to be on top of issues.