Accra, 25 March, GNA – The Civil Society Coalition for the African Continental Free Trade Area (CSCAfCFTA) has commemorated its first anniversary, highlighting significant strides in advancing intra-African trade and economic integration.
A press statement issued on Tuesday, Dr Emmanuel V. Brown, the Chief Executive Officer of CSCAfCFTA, outlined the coalition’s achievements over the past year, describing it as a period of “unwavering commitment and tangible progress” toward realising Africa’s trade potential.
Since its launch in March 2024, the coalition has played a pivotal role in shaping trade policies, empowering businesses, and fostering partnerships to drive the successful implementation of the AfCFTA.
Among its notable accomplishments were actively engaging policymakers, trade experts, and industry leaders to advocate inclusive trade policies that reduce barriers and enhance market access; providing training, resources, and networking opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
The Coalition also supported women and youth entrepreneurs to leverage AfCFTA opportunities; strengthening collaborations with governments, private sector players, and civil society organisations to accelerate trade agreement implementation.
Dr Brown emphasised that while progress has been made, more work is needed to fully unlock Africa’s $3.4 trillion trade market.
He called on governments to improve trade infrastructure, the private sector to invest in African supply chains, and civil society to advocate for equitable trade
practices.
“The AfCFTA is not just a trade agreement, it is Africa’s blueprint for prosperity,” he stated; adding: “Together, we can build an economically empowered continent that competes globally.”
GNA
ABD