The Africa World Trade Network (AWTN) has partnered with 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 that underpin the Africa Continental Free Trade Area Agreement.

The partnership between AWTN and the AfCFTA Secretariat is meant to work towards three common objectives that support continental trade and investment promotions across Africa and promote the 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 a beacon for transformative development in the sub-region.

"In this partnership, AWTN commits to initiate and escalate innovative programmes to mobilise investment opportunities that 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 that the AfCFTA is effectively implemented to achieve 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 the trade as segments of society that must benefit from the 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”.

Wamkele Mene further articulated the need to enhance the 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 to our daily challenges”.