Algerian Radio
Participants in the proceedings of the 12th edition of the African Investment and Trade Forum called on Saturday in Algiers to intensify efforts to develop intra-African trade through the activation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), while highlighting the pivotal role of startups in achieving sustainable development goals on the continent.
This two-day meeting (May 9-10) gave rise to in-depth debates on mechanisms for stimulating economic growth through support for startups and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Discussions also covered ways to strengthen cooperation between African countries to lift trade barriers and establish an attractive investment environment that meets the common ambitions of the continent's nations.
In this context, the representative of the African Union (AU), Ron Osman Omar, emphasized the importance of initiatives launched to add value to African resources and reduce their export in a raw state. The objective is to create added value that can curb unemployment and provide impetus to the development of African countries.
For her part, the President of the African Economic Council, Amany Asfour, stated that despite the challenges hindering African economic integration, the efforts made in recent years have unified the approaches of the continent's countries, notably through the creation of specialized councils dedicated to the development of priority sectors.
Meanwhile, the representative of the Directorate General of Customs, Mourad Ami, highlighted the importance of the results achieved within the AfCFTA despite the challenges encountered, noting that this free trade area requires more time to fully evaluate and assess its impact.
Furthermore, a significant portion of the debates was devoted to the issue of women entrepreneurs.
In their interventions on this subject, participants reviewed the challenges faced by women in the African business world and the opportunities available to them in this field. They also stressed the importance of establishing legal and financial mechanisms for the economic empowerment of women, recognizing them as essential partners in promoting innovation and expanding the continental economic fabric.
