Seven African countries have officially started trade in goods and services in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
These countries are Ghana, Cameroon, Kenya, Egypt, Mauritius, Rwanda and Tanzania, which trade in products such as ceramics, palm oil, car batteries and coffee.
National Coordinator (Ghana) AfCFTA Coordination Office, Dr. Fareed Kwasi Arthur made the announcement at the opening of the School and the University of Ghana’s (ANYSC) 74th Annual New Years Conference in Accra.
The New Year School is an initiative of the University of Ghana (UG) School of Continuing and Distance Education (SCDE).
This year’s edition has the motto: “Positioning the African market for sustainable economic development through AfCFTA”.
The event which lasts for three days, starting next year on January 17-19, will bring together experts and academics to discuss current national issues.
The theme of this year’s event succinctly summarizes the opportunities that the country and other African countries are facing during these difficult times.
He said the forum would offer all involved a space to critically examine Africa’s enormous potential, rather than always looking to the West for solutions.
“Closer home is Ghana which is arguably one of the most endowed countries on earth. We have lush vegetation, are a leading producer of cocoa and one of the world’s largest reserves of gold and bauxite.”
“We have oil and several other resources of which when properly leveraged could transform and propel this country into a prosperous and peaceful nation,” Dr Arthur added.
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The coordinators said that at a time of global uncertainty and transition, the AfCFTA offers a great opportunity for transformation for Ghana and other participating countries.
He said the AfCFTA seeks to increase the added value of trade between African countries and also strengthen the continent’s position on world markets by strengthening their collective voice and political space in global trade negotiations.
The event will include new youth schools, exhibitions, research presentations and panel discussions held on sub-topics related to finance, education, business, industry and digital readiness for the AfCFTA.
