Several African leaders are set to discuss the prosperity agenda for the African continent at the Africa Prosperity Dialogue series.
The series which is an initiative of the Africa Prosperity Network, is expected to bring Africa’s political and business leaders, as well as other thought leaders in Africa, together in a conference, to not only brainstorm on the all-important single market project for the continent but also to “create an annual platform for the continent’s leaders to spearhead the collaborative implementation of the all-important Africa Continental Free Trade Agreement”.
“There must be a shared ownership of the objectives of AfCFTA, particularly with businesses big and small, right from the onset,” part of the statement by the Secretary-General of the AfCFTA, Wamkele Mene, read.
The flagship edition of the prosperity series will hold from Thursday 26 to Saturday 28 January 2023 in Ghana, which is also the host nation of the AfCFTA Secretariat.
In a statement, published on the conference website on Friday, the presidents of Senegal, Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, Egypt, Rwanda, Guinea Bissau, Cote d’Ivoire, Benin, Niger, DRC, and the Republic of Congo, are expected to be in attendance.
The dialogue will be carried out in two parts. The first will feature business and policy leaders’ dialogue – a retreat for business executives and associations, senior public figures, civil society thought-leaders, technocrats and the Association of Africa Investment Promotions Agencies.
The second part will be hosted by the President of Ghana, Nana Akufo-Addo, and will take place on Saturday, January 28, 2023.
“In recent times, global geopolitical issues have exposed Africa’s over-reliance on the global supply chain and natural resources export and highlighted the imperative for Africa to seriously consider how to strengthen capacity for greater intra-Africa reliance and cushion herself against exogenous shocks from events beyond her control.
“The Africa Prosperity Dialogues Series will incorporate the launching of various platforms for political, business and social sector leaders on the continent and in the Diaspora to think, plan and collaborate towards building a strong and effective single market of Africa’s 1.4 billion people, thereby, helping to create more opportunities for African citizens and build a more prosperous Africa.
“Dubbed the ‘Kwahu Summit’ because the concept was birthed at an APN retreat held at the renowned Rock City Resort in the Kwahu Mountains of eastern Ghana, the dialogue series will also help bring into sharp focus the continent’s critical challenges, outline its industrialisation priorities, and aggressively advance the required commercial and infrastructural interventions to achieve the goal of deepening inter-continental trade,” part of the statement read.
