ADS 2024, Sub-theme 1 ¨C Documentary Videos
In Focus
In case you missed it:
- Relive the actions during the High-level Policy Dialogue at the Africa Dialogue Series 2023, focusing on each sub-theme: ; Growing Middle Class and Continental Import Substitution: Connecting the Dots to Unlock Made in Africa; and Digital Services Trade: Great Potential but Regulatory Frameworks Are Urgent.
- Read the statement of the United Nations Secretary-General at the High-level Policy Dialogue.
Week 3 | Day One ¡ª 15 May
The third week of the Africa Dialogue Series 2023 focuses on "Digital Services Trade: Great Potential but Regulatory Frameworks Are Urgent." The African Continental Free Trade Area () Secretariat and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa () are working together to organize the week's activities, starting with a screening of the following documentaries.
UN ECA presents
What is the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)?
Supporting countries in implementing the AfCFTA
The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) aims to increase intra-African trade by removing tariffs on 90 percent of goods, liberalizing services, and addressing trade barriers. ECA collaborates with partners to support the AfCFTA's implementation, engaging stakeholders from various sectors and regions. It is working on a project financially supported by the European Union to assist African Union member states develop national strategies tailored to their markets. The involvement of civil society, businesses, and women's organizations, along with domestic reforms, is crucial for successfully implementing the AfCFTA. The private sector also plays a key role, while supporting journalists is important for effective media coverage.
How will the (AfCFTA) benefit us in practice?
In March 2018, African Union member states agreed to establish the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to create a unified continental market with free movement of labour and investments. The AfCFTA offers three major benefits: it combines the collective economies of 54 African countries, making it an attractive investment destination with a GDP of $2.5 trillion and a potential customer base of 1.2 billion people; it promotes the free movement of people, allowing skilled individuals to work anywhere on the continent; and it aims to increase intra-African trade by removing trade taxes on 90% of all trade, potentially creating 2 million new jobs and boosting regional economies.