Accra, Aug 16, GNA-Nations University has proudly become the first institution in Africa to secure all necessary approvals to offer the GITFIC-AFCFTA Curriculum course in September for the 2026 academic year. .
This curriculum is designed to be credit-scoring, making it a core subject for student.
A statement signed by Selasi Koffi Ackom, CEO of GITFIC and copied to the Ghana News Agency in Accra said “We are thrilled to share significant developments regarding our African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) initiatives, which have been progressing since 2018, when the Heads of State met in Kigali had committed to advancing the AfCFTA”.
It said the GITFiC’s Implementation Support Initiatives for the AfCFTA began with their third annual conference held at the African Union Headquarters in 2019.
“ During this conference, we joined forces with various stakeholders to pave the way for the successful implementation of the AfCFTA.
“In 2020, Accra was aptly designated as the Commercial Capital of Africa, coinciding with the establishment of the AfCFTA Secretariat in Accra, Ghana”.
It said the initiative aimed to galvanize continental support for sensitizing and educating the business community on the opportunities presented by the AfCFTA.
“Our fourth annual conference dedicated its efforts to this cause, with prominent leaders—including the then President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo and influential figures from across 16 African nations—joining forces to emphasize the importance of this declaration”.
The statement said in 2022, they shifted their focus to the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System, recognizing its crucial role in facilitating the successful implementation of the AfCFTA.
“Our fifth conference was fully devoted to discussing the complexities of this system while evaluating its potential benefits and challenges. The Vice President of Ghana, representing the President, helped to elevate this dialogue by engaging key stakeholders from various financial institutions and central banks to collaboratively chart a roadmap for implementation with recommendations”.
It said in 2023, they concentrated on enhancing payment platforms for cross-border trade, engaging major global payment platforms like Visa, Mastercard, and SWIFT.
“ Their participation was pivotal in educating and guiding the community regarding policy directives in this area.
“As part of our commitment to the agreements made in 2018 in Kigali and 2019 at the AU Headquarters, we published a book titled Actualizing the African Economic Vision: A Practical Handbook on the AfCFTA. This publication serves as a valuable resource for both academic and business communities, further supporting our objectives”.
To extend their efforts in Africa’s academic landscapearthe said they launched the GITFiC-AfCFTA Tertiary Students’ Club under the slogan “TO KNOW IS TO BE INFORMED.” And the clubs have become essential vehicles in promoting the AfCFTA within higher education”.
It said they also formed a curriculum committee to develop a comprehensive and standardized curriculum for tertiary institutions in Africa.
“We are optimistic about onboarding at least one hundred tertiary institutions across Africa by the end of 2031 as part of the GITFiC-Agenda 2031, which encompasses the Global Debt Initiative and AfCFTA Implementation Support Initiatives. Together, we can achieve meaningful progress in advancing the AfCFTA and fostering a prosperous economic landscape across our continent”.
GNA
Edited by George-Ramsey Benamba