GITFiC publishes a volume dedicated to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement.

GITFiC publishes a volume dedicated to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement.

In an effort to strengthen the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and foster understanding amongst the African business community, the Ghana International Trade and Finance (GITFiC) unveiled a comprehensive handbook titled "Actualising the African Economic Vision". The launch took place at the Pacific Alliance Embassy in Accra.

Entitled "Actualising the African Economic Vision; A Practical Handbook on the AfCFTA", the book serves as a valuable guide for African leaders, academia, trade and finance professionals, and all stakeholders of the AfCFTA worldwide. Mr. Selasi Koffi Ackom, GITFiC's contact person designation, highlighted the extensive work, consultations, and research that culminated in this final product.

The development of the book began in 2019, when GITFiC organized a conference at the African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa, gathering stakeholders from across the continent, including finance ministers, UNECA, Trade & Development Bank in Kenya, ECOWAS Bank in Lome, Afrexim Bank in Egypt, trade ministers, financial experts, and others.

In 2020, a follow-up conference was held in Accra, where the city was officially declared the commercial capital because of its hosting of the AfCFTA Secretariat, its rich cross-border trade history, and its status as the first country south of the Sahara to gain independence. The event brought together chief trade negotiators, deans of premier universities, and senior media representatives to discuss the AfCFTA.

The 2021 conference focused on the Pan African Payment and Settlement System and its regulatory framework, with President Akufo-Addo delivering the keynote address via Vice President Mahamadu Bawumia. The book, inspired by African heads of state and the advent of the AfCFTA, aims to provide a simplified, accessible resource for understanding the implementation structures of the AfCFTA.

The handbook consists of ten chapters covering various aspects of the AfCFTA, with a focus on practical implementation and exposing readers to the opportunities within the agreement while providing insights into Ghana's strategy in the context of the AfCFTA. It includes diagrams, infographics, and photos to enhance readability. Currently available in English and French, plans are underway to translate it into Spanish, Arabic, Kiswahili, and Portuguese in the near future, following a recommendation from the African Union.

Over 6,000 copies of the book, priced at GH¢100 each, were sold at its launch. Mr. Albert Muchanga, Mr. Nyame-Baafi, Mr. Bernard Afreh, Mr. Tsornam Akpeloo, and other chief trade negotiators contributed to the book in various ways. The Colombian Ambassador, Madam Claudia Turbay Quintero, speaking on behalf of the Pacific Alliance Embassy, expressed enthusiasm for partnering with GITFiC and the AfCFTA.

Mr. Bernard Afreh, GITFiC's Lead Consultant, emphasized the positive impact that the launch of the book and the AfCFTA would have on enhancing trade and economies across Africa, ultimately improving the lives of over 1.5 billion people. He encouraged financial institutions, commercial, and trade communities toutilize the book's resources effectively. Other speakers at the event included Mr. Tsonam Akpeloo, Mr. Anthony Nyame-Baafi, Mr. Joe Ghartey, and Ambassador Albert Muchanga.

1. The Ghana International Trade and Finance (GITFiC) unveiled a practical handbook titled "Actualising the African Economic Vision", aimed at fostering understanding among African business leaders, academia, and finance professionals within the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
2. The book serves as a valuable resource for stakeholders worldwide, shedding light on the implementation structures of the AfCFTA and the opportunities it presents.
3. In 2020, a conference in Accra discussed the AfCFTA with various participants, including chief trade negotiators, deans of premier universities, and senior media representatives.
4. The 2021 conference focused on the Pan African Payment and Settlement System, with African heads of state inspiring the creation of the book due to the advent of the AfCFTA.
5. Current and future editions of the handbook, available in English, French, and plans for Spanish, Arabic, Kiswahili, and Portuguese versions, are expected to reach over 6,000 readers each.
6. The implementations of the AfCFTA and the handbook are anticipated to have a significant positive impact on trade, economy, and ultimately the lives of over 1.5 billion Africans, with the support and collaboration of global partners such as the Pacific Alliance Embassy.

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