Free Trade Area talks loomed large at Conference of African Private Sector

Continental Free Trade Area (CFTA) negotiations were front and center last week at the  Conference of the African Private Sector, held in Victoria, Seychelles.

The conference was organized by the African Union Commission (AUC) in partnership with the Pan African Chamber of Commerce (PACCI) and the Seychelles Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Its purpose was to get representatives of the private sector talking to AUC members about the CFTA and the possible establishment of an African Business Council.

"We are all working together for the common good of Africa,"  Pan African Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Seth Adjei Baah said.

“Africa must do business with Africa first," Tanzania Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture President Peter Chisawillo said. "We have to think continentally about competitiveness and Africa’s share in global trade.”

Charles Kahuthu, the East Africa Chamber of Commerce and Industry's CEO, agreed.

“The African Business Council is the way to go for Africa,” Kahuthu said.