Mr Alan Kyerematen, Minister of Trade and Industry, has called on African countries to put up institutional and logistical frameworks to optimise benefits of implementing the African Continental Free Trade Area agreement (AfCFTA).
According to the Minister of Trade and Industry, having institutional structures and a programme of action for boosting intra African trade would enable entrepreneurs to take advantage of the huge market provided by the agreement.
“We must ensure that we have the logistical support to ensure that we are able to move the goods from one country to another.”
Mr Alan Kyerematen
Mr. Kyerematen made this known when speaking at the launch of the Africa Guided Trade Initiative in Accra. The Minister noted that, “… AfCFTA is not just on paper but a reality. And we are moving from talk and negotiations to action.”
The Initiative was launched for seven member countries. The countries, which have signaled their readiness to start trading under AFCFTA, are Tanzania, Mauritania, Kenya, Egypt, Cameroon, Rwanda, and Ghana.
The minister Iterated that the launch of the initiative is an indication that AfCFTA means business.
“We are moving from talk and negotiations to action. It also symbolises that governments in Africa who have been involved in the negotiations are now giving way to the private sector to make it a reality.”
Mr Alan Kyerematen
More Products from Different Countries
Mr Wamkele Mene, Secretary-General of the AfCFTA Secretariat, disclosed that there would be more than 96 different products from the seven countries that would be freely traded duty-free and quota-free, under the rules of AfCFTA.
These approved products include horticultural products, pharmaceuticals, rubber, aluminum kitchenware, sugar, steel, and wooden products.
“This is the moment the founding mothers and fathers of the Organization of African Unity have longed for. We have finally honoured and made reality the vision of those who liberated our continent.”
Mr Wamkele Mene
Mr Mene added that, the trade will help connect Africa to have one purpose.
“We are connecting East Africa to West Africa, North Africa to Southern Africa. Trade will be the driver of inclusivity, creating opportunities for young Africans.
“So, we have taken the first journey today, and I hope in 15 years, we will have succeeded in lifting millions and millions of Africans out of poverty.”
Mr Wamkele Mene
Mr Mene indicated that the actualisation of AfCFTA was the vision of the founding fathers of the Organisation of African Unity.
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