Trade and Invest in One Africa: The World Export Development Forum will 'talk business and do business' as part of Africa Industrialization Week from 18-22 November 2019.

• Author: Domeisen, Natalie

The focus is on implementing the newly agreed African Continental Free Trade Area by putting the voice of businesses first, especially those featuring women and young entrepreneurs.

African states passed a truly historic trade agreement this past July. At a time when economic protectionism is on the rise, African political leaders offered a counter-message: reducing tariffs and encouraging deeper trade integration will unlock prosperity.

The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), launched at the African Union Summit for Heads of State in Niger, is a game-changer for trade. It demonstrates the political will to create new opportunities for Trade within Africa and offers new opportunities for buyers and investors outside it.

The African Union Commission's Department of Trade and Industry led the ratification process for the agreement and is now at the forefront of public-private sector consultations to implement it. Numerous national events are bringing the agreement forward in African countries. A secretariat is being set up to monitor implementation in Accra, Ghana.

INTERNATIONAL MILESTONE

The World Export Development Forum (WEDF) is the first international milestone after theNiger summit.

Now in its 19th edition, the WEDF discusses how to better connect businesses to new markets. It brings together buyers and sellers, policymakers and business leaders and those who support them. The goal is to bring the benefits of good trade to more people in a sustainable way.

The forum is an integral part of the Africa Industrialization Week (18-22 November), led by the Department of Trade and Industry of the African Union Commission.

It is co-hosted with the African Union Commission and Ethiopia's Ministry of Trade and Industry. With a market of over 100 million people, Ethiopia has been home to Africa's fastest-growth rates over the past decade. It is positioning itself as a manufacturing hub while exploring green economy initiatives.

Participants are registering from around the world, including business leaders and entrepreneurs; policymakers; international organizations; trade and investment promotion agencies; business associations; and media.

Sessions are designed to help business make the most of the AfCFTA with a special focus on the role of women and youth.

EMPOWER YOUNG PEOPLE AND WOMEN

This year's WEDF is also unique. For the first time, it joins forces with the biggest International Trade Centre (ITC) events for youth, as well as for...