Boosting intra-African trade was top of the agenda this week in Abuja, Nigeria, when the Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas) and the African Union Commission (AUC) consulted on the Continental Free Trade Area (CFTA).
Discussing the action plan ‘Boosting Intra-African Trade’ (BIAT) the two-day meeting also set about facilitating consultations and dialogue among Ecowas member states around free trade taking the current state of trade liberalisation in the region into consideration.
Addressing the meeting Dr David Luke, coordinator of the Africa Trade Policy Centre (ATPC) at the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, said it was not possible to have a free trade area without an intra-African trade action plan and vice versa.
“There is a need to focus on ensuring that national productive capacities are enhanced, taking advantage of regional and continental market access opportunities,” he said.
Fatima Haram Acyl, commissioner for trade and industry of the African Union Commission (AUC), said the movement and commitment by African countries to agree to negotiate a comprehensive and mutually beneficial free trade agreement was a signal to the world that Africa was ready for business.
According to Treasure Maphanga, AUC director trade and industry, simply reducing tariffs and removing other barriers to trade would not necessarily lead to increased intra-African trade.
“We must do more in terms of developing the productive capacities of our economies, implement trade facilitation measures, develop our infrastructure, and ensure reliable energy supply and skills availability,” she said.
