CROSS BOARDER TRADE: SMEs Across Africa Convene in Accra to Strengthen AfCFTA Implementation

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By Ivy Abena Dede Narki Teye

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from Anglophone and Francophone countries across Africa have gathered in Accra for a three-day workshop aimed at enhancing collaboration and fostering the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The event, which began on Tuesday, November 26, seeks to bridge linguistic and regional divides to strengthen Africa’s single market agenda.

The workshop, themed “Bridging Anglophone and Francophone Markets through Trade Facilitation, SME Partnership, and AfCFTA Value Chain”, is organized by the Centre for Regional Integration in Africa (CRIA) and the African Capacity Building Foundation (ACBF), with support from the African Development Bank (AfDB) and Afreximbank. 

In a speech read on his behalf, AfCFTA Secretary-General Wamkele Mene highlighted the transformative potential of the free trade area. 

“This framework seeks to transition Africa from its traditional role as a supplier of raw materials to becoming a competitive producer of high-value goods and services,” Mene stated. 

He acknowledged the challenges posed by linguistic and institutional disparities rooted in Africa’s colonial history but emphasized the opportunity for unity and progress. 

“By fostering collaboration across linguistic and regional divides, we can build the capacity needed to integrate our economies, create resilient value chains, and ensure that no one is left behind in Africa’s journey toward prosperity,” he added. 

President of Ghana’s Gender Subcommittee on Women in Cross Border Trade

Madam Naa Densua Aryeetey, highlighted the critical role of women in cross-border trade during an interview. She stressed the importance of empowering women entrepreneurs to maximize the benefits of the AfCFTA framework. 

Mbacke Niang, Director of Program and Impact at the ACBF, also addressed the media, underscoring the essence of the program. He emphasized the need for capacity building and inclusive trade policies to create sustainable development opportunities across Africa. 

The workshop underscores the importance of cross-regional collaboration to harness the full potential of the AfCFTA, which aims to create a single market for goods and services across 54 African nations. Participants are optimistic that by addressing linguistic and institutional barriers, SMEs will play a pivotal role in driving economic transformation on the continent.