Landmark Conference in Ghana Tackles Trade Integration Under AfCFTA
Landmark Conference in Ghana Tackles Trade Integration Under AfCFTA
The Conference on Capacity Development for Africa’s Structural Transformation (CADAST), organized by the African Capacity Building Foundation (ACBF) in collaboration with the Centre for Regional Integration in Africa (CRIA), has been held in Accra.
The event which took place at the Labadi Beach Hotel aimed at addressing Africa’s enduring challenge of regional integration.
With the theme: “Bridging Anglophone and Francophone Markets through Trade Facilitation, SME Partnerships & AfCFTA Value Chains,” the conference underscores the transformative potential of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) in uniting diverse economies and stakeholders across linguistic divides.
Bridging Linguistic Divides for National Development
In a speech read on behalf of H.E. Wamkele Mene, Secretary-General of the AfCFTA Secretariat, Abdul Kamara noted: “This linguistic dichotomy remains the elephant in the room of African integration. Yet, it also presents an opportunity to demonstrate that our diversity can be a strength rather than a barrier.”
By harmonizing policies and fostering resilient value chains, the CADAST conference aims to create a seamless African market where goods, services, and ideas transcend borders.
The Transformative Promise of AfCFTA
Celebrated as Africa’s most ambitious trade initiative, the AfCFTA seeks to elevate the continent from being a supplier of raw materials to a competitive producer of high-value goods and services. However, challenges such as disparities in legal systems, infrastructure, and languages persist.
Key milestones achieved under the agreement include the expansion of the Guided Trade Initiative (GTI) from seven to 39 member countries and the establishment of the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS). These initiatives are paving the way for a more cohesive and competitive African market.
Partners Driving Progress
Institutions such as Afreximbank and the African Development Bank (AfDB) play pivotal roles in advancing AfCFTA objectives. Afreximbank’s focus on trade finance for SMEs and strategic industries, particularly in pharmaceuticals and agriculture, received commendation.
Similarly, the AfDB’s Capacity Development for Africa’s Structural Transformation (CADAST) project equips governments with tools to align national policies with AfCFTA goals.
Empowering SMEs and Women
A critical focus of the conference is empowering SMEs—especially those led by women and youth—to engage in cross-border trade effectively. Tailored capacity-building sessions aim to equip these enterprises with the tools to navigate AfCFTA frameworks and seize emerging opportunities.
Digital Transformation and Future Goals
The workshop also highlights digital transformation as a catalyst for trade integration. Investments in digital infrastructure and innovation are essential to fostering entrepreneurship and bridging regional gaps.
Abdul Kamara urged participants: “Africa’s diversity, when harnessed strategically, is a powerful asset. This conference is an essential step toward unlocking that potential.”
Remarks from the ACBF Representative
Mr. Mbacke Niang, Director of Programmes and Impact at ACBF, speaking on behalf of Executive Secretary Mr. Mamadou Biteye, emphasized the collaborative essence of the event:
“This pivotal workshop embodies Africa’s collective determination to enhance trade facilitation, nurture partnerships, and advance integration. By uniting Anglophone and Francophone stakeholders under a shared vision, we are not just promoting trade but empowering communities across the continent.”
A Vision for Inclusive Growth
Aligned with the ACBF’s Strategic Plan (2023–2027), the conference reinforces trade as a cornerstone of economic development. Participants are encouraged to engage actively, explore synergies, and ensure AfCFTA fulfills its transformative promise.
Plans include additional training and awareness workshops in 2025 to bolster the domestication of trade agreements and empower SMEs in Africa’s Regional Economic Communities.
CRIA’s Advocacy for Integration and Capacity Building
Prof. Lehlohonolo Tlou, Executive Director of CRIA, highlighted regional integration as critical to Africa’s development. CRIA’s flagship Regional Integration Issues Forum (RIIF) seeks to demystify regional integration, aligning it with national development goals.
Prof. Tlou emphasized: “Integration is implemented at the national level. For it to succeed, we must domesticate it and align it with our development goals.”
She noted Africa’s low intra-African trade levels—17% compared to 70% in Europe and 59% in Asia—and called for capacity building, particularly for women and youth, who drive the SME sector.
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Addressing Women’s Challenges in Cross-Border Trade
Madam Naa Densua Aryeetey, President of Ghana’s Gender Subcommittee on Women in Cross-Border Trade, highlighted the significant role of women in informal trade, which constitutes 30-40% of Africa’s total trade.
Despite their contributions, women face challenges such as limited knowledge of trade policies, poor access to finance, border delays, and security concerns. Madam Aryeetey emphasized the need for a conducive regulatory environment to support women traders.
A Call to Action
As discussions unfold, the CADAST workshop serves as a rallying call for unity, innovation, and collaboration. Participants are urged to contribute insights, forge partnerships, and harness the potential of AfCFTA to create a globally competitive and integrated Africa.
Source: Isaac Kofi Dzokpo
