As part of the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which began trading on January 1, 2021, it is essential that private sector players and stakeholders from various signatory states understand and take ownership of the agreement to identify priority areas for collaboration, aiming to achieve an inclusive free trade area.
In this context, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), in collaboration with the Federation of West African Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FCCIAO) and the ZLECAF Secretariat, is organizing a capacity-building workshop for the region’s private sector leaders on the AfCFTA from July 29 to 31, 2024, in Lagos, Nigeria.
The workshop will focus on strengthening collaboration between continental and regional private sector organizations within the framework of the AfCFTA; increasing awareness and understanding of AfCFTA protocols, trade facilitation measures, market access opportunities, and tariff reduction; improving trade efficiency by resolving issues related to non-tariff barriers and customs procedures; enhancing intellectual property and investment protection provisions; fostering collaboration among regional stakeholders; and increasing private sector participation in implementing the AfCFTA.
At the opening ceremony, Dr. Chinyere Almona, Director General of the Lagos State Chamber of Commerce and Industry, expressed satisfaction that the meeting was held in Lagos. She stated that it marks a critical moment in regional economic integration and sustainable development for ECOWAS and Africa.
Mr. Kolawole Sofola, ECOWAS Director of Trade, speaking on behalf of Mrs. Massandjé TOURE-LITSE, Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture, highlighted that "the Lagos workshop marks an important milestone in our collective efforts to strengthen regional economic integration."
"Our objectives through this activity are clear: to raise awareness, provide comprehensive training and foster collaboration that will contribute to the success of the AfCFTA. We are determined to ensure that our private sector leaders are well prepared to lead their organizations and our economies towards greater integration and prosperity," said Mr. Kolawole Sofola.
Mr. Aminou Akadiri, Executive Director of FCCIAO, thanked ECOWAS Commission and AfCFTA Secretariat for recognizing Chambers of Commerce as key bodies for achieving deeper regional economic integration. He emphasized FCCIAO's commitment to making this workshop successful.
Mrs. Emily MBURU-NDORIA from ZLECAF Secretariat reiterated her institution's commitment alongside ECOWAS to ensure understanding and appropriation of free trade agreement texts by private sector actors and governments. She noted that FTAA is poised to make Africa a modern industrialized player globally.
ECOWAS has defined a regional strategy on implementing AfCFTA adopted at its 90th Ordinary Session in July 2023. The strategy aims to integrate ECOWAS Member States into the continental market while ensuring coordinated implementation complementing existing policy initiatives.
Experts from ECOWAS Commission, AfCFTA Secretariat representatives from FCCIAO, and Chambers of Commerce across ECOWAS Member States will attend this significant workshop.
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