African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat Hosts Webinar for Media Professionals
Source: African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat
For the first time this quarter, the AfCFTA Secretariat organized a webinar for media professionals, aiming to improve media coverage of African trade and integration. Journalists from across the continent participated in the event.
The main theme of the session was clear: AfCFTA has moved beyond a mere framework agreement and is now entering a phase of effective implementation on the ground.
Current State of Affairs
The discussions highlighted several key expectations. Participants called for better access to trade data and market statistics, as well as reliable economic information. They also requested centralized and user-friendly platforms to gather all AfCFTA-related resources.
On the operational side, businesses still face numerous obstacles. Cross-border payments remain complicated, and the deployment of the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) is problematic. Transportation and connectivity are limited, and standards and regulations are fragmented. Agricultural value chains are experiencing blockages, and the free movement of people is still restricted.
Key Takeaways
The main lessons from the webinar are clear. AfCFTA must be told through concrete examples, highlighting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), women entrepreneurs, and young economic actors. The media is called upon to play a bridging role between political decisions and citizen mobilization. A unanimous call was made for enhanced engagement and improved access to information tools.
The mobilization of National Implementation Committees illustrated this synergy, with representatives from Nigeria and Ghana participating actively. This shows that national action must align with the continental vision.
Conclusion
The Secretariat confirmed the continuation of these quarterly sessions, laying the foundation for a lasting partnership with the media, in the service of more informed and impactful journalism on AfCFTA issues.
