Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, Michael Okyere Baafi has touted the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as a trade “saviour” for the African continent.
In his words, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) can be likened to President Nana Addo’s 2022 Budget that is here to save Ghanaians.
Explaining why he points to the trade agreement as a saviour, he explained that this agreement is the first ever largest trade bloc that will ensure Africans trade among themselves free of certain trade restrictions.
Speaking on the ‘Epa Hoa Daben’ show with Happy FM’s Don Prah, he stated: “AfCFTA is a saviour to the extent that for the first time in history of the whole world, we are getting a trade bloc that is bigger than any other trade bloc in the world and that is going to do business with its own people. For the first time Africans are going to do business with the Africans.”
He urged Ghanaians and all other nationals in other African countries to take advantage of the trade agreement by “exploring the African continent” in terms of trade.
African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is a flagship project of Agenda 2063 of the African Union. It was approved by the 18th ordinary Session of Assembly of Heads of State and Government, held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia in January 2012 which adopted the decision to establish a Continental Free Trade Area. This initiative whose immediate implementation would provide quick wins, impact on socio-economic development and enhance confidence and the commitment of Africans as the owners and drivers of Agenda 2063.
The AfCFTA aims at accelerating intra-African trade and boosting Africa’s trading position in the global market by strengthening Africa’s common voice and policy space in global trade negotiations.