The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, has passionately championed the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to an audience comprising hundreds of business leaders, two Southern African presidents, and members of their cabinets.
The Foreign Affairs Minister’s advocacy took place at the sixth Swakopmund International Trade Expo (SWAiTEX), an event focused on enhancing trade relations and economic growth within the continent.
Speaking as a special guest at the event’s opening, Ms. Botchwey emphasized the collective responsibility of leaders across various sectors to mobilize resources and capabilities to create an efficient market in trade and services.
“It is our responsibility as leaders in government, industry, finance, SMEs, start-ups, regulation, and civil society to harness our collective resources and capabilities towards an efficient market in trade and services, job creation, and prosperity for all Africans.”
Hon. Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration
Ms. Botchwey reiterated the sentiments of AfCFTA Secretary-General Wamkele Mene, stating, “The African Continental Free Trade Area is the beacon of hope for Africa’s economic resurgence. We agree wholeheartedly.” Her endorsement underscored the collective enthusiasm and optimism surrounding the AfCFTA’s potential.
The presence of Presidents Mbumba and Masisi, along with their cabinet members, underscored the significance of the AfCFTA in the region. President Masisi expressed his commitment to trade and serious business, affirming the importance of the trade agreement in fostering economic growth and development.
Ms. Botchwey echoed the sentiments of the AfCFTA secretary general, Wamkele Mene of South Africa, emphasizing that the trade area represents a beacon of hope for Africa’s economic resurgence. With a potential reach of 1.3 billion people across 55 countries and a combined GDP of US$3.4 trillion, the AfCFTA holds the promise of new markets, accelerated industrialization, and increased investment opportunities for the continent.
Addressing Economic Challenges and Resilience
In her address, Ms. Botchwey advocated for making African products the preferred choice while fostering regional and continental partnerships to serve the common market. She emphasized the need to promote “African products as our preferred products,” signaling a commitment to intra-African trade and collaboration.
Acknowledging the challenging economic climate in Africa, including issues related to debt, energy, food security, unemployment, and climate crises, Ms. Botchwey stressed the transformative potential of AfCFTA in overcoming these challenges and building resilient economies.
Ms. Botchwey commended Namibia for joining the AfCFTA-guided trade initiative, which demonstrates the country’s commitment and political will for meaningful trade within the African continent.
Ms. Botchwey also highlighted the collaboration between the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) and the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB) to facilitate investment and trade flows between the two countries under the umbrella of AfCFTA.
As a candidate for the position of Commonwealth secretary general, Ms. Botchwey has emphasized trade and investment as integral components of her leadership vision for the organization. She emphasized the need for developing countries with overlapping memberships in multilateral institutions to collaborate strategically to change their marginalized status in global trade and governance.
The impassioned case made by Minister Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey for the African Continental Free Trade Area at the SWAiTEX underscores the importance of regional and continental collaboration, the embrace of African products, and the transformative potential of AfCFTA in addressing economic challenges and fostering resilient economies across the African continent.
Ms. Botchwey advocacy reflects a commitment to leveraging collective resources and capabilities for the benefit of all Africans, emphasizing the role of trade and investment in driving prosperity and growth.
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