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"African countries must fully commit to ensuring the success of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). This is the only way that countries can take full advantage of the free trade agreement, "said Appiah Kusi Adomako, coordinator of the center for CUTS International West Africa.
He said tAFCFTA is not limited to signing and rectification.
Appiah Kusi Adomako was speaking in Niamey, Niger on the sidelines of the African Union's Special Summit on the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) on "Bringing AfCTA to the table". to the African people ".
The Commission of the African Union, in partnership with the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) and the Coalition for Dialogue on Africa, organized the first-ever Forum of the African Union. 2019 on "Strengthening Civil Society Engagement in AfCFTA to Broaden Inclusiveness" in Niamey, Niger. In particular, the 2019 Civil Society Forum aimed to strengthen stakeholder participation in AfCFTA implementation and increase opportunities for civil society stakeholders to participate in the program of work. of AfCFTA. The forum brought together participants from African civil society organizations (CSOs), trade coordination organizations for civil society organizations and members of the Economic and Social Council of the Union. African, among others.
Appiah Adomako said that the majority of the population felt remote and disconnected from the continent in terms of consumption, as nations did not trade with each other. Our inability to trade with each other has been caused by inefficient business infrastructure and logistics, non-tariff barriers to trade, and reduced manufacturing capabilities.
Mr. Adomako said, "With AfCFTA's signature and ratification, African countries must take advantage of the collective GDP of $ 2.5 billion, making it the 8th largest economy in the world with a market of 1 billion dollars. , $ 2 billion and lift people out of poverty. This should encourage businessmen to take advantage of AfCFTA and make the necessary investments to support economic growth and create jobs. "
"While the text of the Agreement on Poverty Reduction and Trade-Related Crime has good intentions, the success of the agreement requires governments to demonstrate unwavering commitment and respect 'agreement. In the short term, there will be losers, but short-term pain is needed to reach the long-term again, "he said.
Mr. Adomako suggested that "as for the Trade Facilitation of the World Trade Organization, which requires the establishment of a National Committee for Trade Facilitation at the national level, it would be useful for countries to set up a National Council of ALECA and that its members be extended to CSOs, government agencies, private sector, universities and others. "
AUC Vice President Kwesi Quartey commended the Ministry of Trade and Industry for this initiative and noted that, if implemented successfully, AfCFTA could Generate combined spending by consumers and businesses of $ 6.7 trillion by 2030, diversifying and facilitating the creation of quality jobs for Africa 's women and youth. "
Speaking on behalf of the Executive Secretary of the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) and Director of Gender, Poverty and Social Policy, Ms. Thokozile Ruzvidzo, said that AfCFTA could do move intra-African trade from its current level of 16% to 52%. 2022, according to ECA studies. Ms. Ruzvidzo noted, however, that visas and other restrictions on immigration limit mobility in Africa and "increase the vulnerability of migrant and refugee populations to the continent".
In the keynote presentation on behalf of the Commissioner in charge of Trade and Industry, Ag. M. Hbadan Hussein, Director of Trade and Industry, emphasized the fact The agreement establishing the CAFTA (entered into force on 30 May 2019) would soon have 54 signatories out of the 55 member states of the African Union and currently has 25 ratifications. He then highlighted the specific challenges and opportunities posed by AfCFTA, which would create more trade than it would divert and generate significant welfare gains for the majority of States Parties. .
Other speakers included Isaac Hubert Arthur, Executive Director of the African Center for International Trade and Development (ACINTaD) and Sylvester Bagooro, Program Manager for Third World Network Africa.
About CUTS
CUTS is a think tank on public policy research and advocacy working in the areas of trade and investment, investment, economic regulation, competition, labor consumer and governance.
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