It is beyond a fact but more of a realistic truth that the opportunities in Africa outweigh the risk if you dare to invest in Africa and look beyond the stereotype of risk perception to a new horizon of Africa’s independence and economic emancipation.

Since the 1960s, several initiatives have been undertaken to enhance trade integration in Africa. However, substantial tariff and non-tariff barriers remain in place. In recent years, African leaders have shown a renewed push for regional integration by signing the agreement on the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The AfCFTA has the potential to transform regional trade and thereby lift growth and support livelihoods across the continent.

With central projections by global analysts of the economic potential of the African Market Capacity, the AfCFTA is positioned to be a primary catalyst to industrialize Africa; it is beyond doubt that Africa has the potential to become globally competitive.

As one of the leading promoters of Global Trade, The World Trade Centers Association brand, headquartered in New York City and consisting of over 320 World Trade Centers in over 90 countries, hosted its first WTCA General Assembly in Sub-Saharan Africa, Accra, Ghana. The first in-person General Assembly since the pandemic, the event had participation from WTC members and delegates worldwide.

The World Trade Center Accra as the first host of the WTCA General Assembly in the region, welcomed more than 200 WTCs and their business delegates in attendance. It was an unparalleled opportunity for critical global trade decision-makers, industry leaders, government officials, business delegates, trade agencies, and experts to discuss the theme ”Towards Africa Economic Integration and Enhanced Global Presence.”

Nigeria plays a unique and critical role in integrating the African economy due to its economic size and population density as the largest in the continent. Hence, participation and proper representation were facilitated by The World Trade Center Abuja Trade Sservices team, which led a business delegation from the public and private sectors to participate in the Association’s General Assembly, one of the region’s most anticipated events.

The event was well attended by dignitaries and critical decision makers in the continent, such as HRM Togbe Afede XIV, the Executive Chairman of WTC Accra, John E. Drew, the Chairman of WTCA, H.E Wamkele Mene, the Secretary-General of AfCFTA Secretariat, H.E. Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the Vice President of the Republic of Ghana, Afrexim Bank, Members of WTCA Network, etc.

The Opening Ceremony of the event, which was held on the 24th of April at the Kempinksi Ballroom, was a ground-breaking ceremony that led to the succession of other vital activities, such as high-level and plenary sessions that featured trade experts and industry leaders in crucial discussions as it affects the African market. These sessions helped demystify some stereotypes that challenge global interest in trade and investment in Africa.

This event also anchored a panel discussion of Member Advisory Committee (MAC) Chairs that provided progress of the Business Club MAC and future initiatives. WTC Abuja was honored to have celebrated each WTCA Member and the various milestone anniversaries of various WTCs, and this session was anchored by Ms. Wuraola Onigbogi, representing WTC Abuja.

The WTCA Abuja’s participation at the 53rd WTCA General Assembly was a testament to its commitment to promoting global trade and investment and positioning Abuja as a hub for international trade in the West African region.

The event allowed the delegation to learn about best practices in global marketing and networking with business leaders worldwide.

We look forward to leveraging the experience of the 54th General Assembly of WTCA, which WTC Bengaluru will host.

See more details: WTCA (www.africa.com)