Africa: the continental free trade area, a driving force for economic integration
From the 9th to the 15th of November 2023, Cairo will host the 3rd Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF2023). Organised by the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) in collaboration with the African Union Commission and other institutions, the event aims to consolidate Africa's economic integration.
More than just a trade event, IATF2023 is a gateway to an African market comprising 1.3 billion people and a GDP of over 3.5 billion dollars, facilitated by the African Continental Free Trade Area.
Participants, from Member States to companies, will have the opportunity to present their innovations and debate with trade experts, with the main aim of facilitating trade and establishing lasting partnerships.
The AfCFTA Support Facility (EU-TAF) plays a key role in this vision of a united and integrated Africa. Within the European Technical Assistance Facility in support of the AfCFTA, Expertise France contributes to continental economic integration.
Team Europe in support of African economic integration
The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) could enable African countries to lift 30 million people out of extreme poverty and increase the income of 68 million others living on less than $5.50 a day.
The "European Technical Assistance Facility to support the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and continental economic integration", the flagship programme of the "Global Gateway" strategy, aims to build Africa's capacity to achieve the objectives of Agenda 2063 and Agenda 2030. It offers partners targeted and on-request support to consolidate their ability to meet their key needs in relation to the AfCFTA negotiation and implementation process.
IATF: 50 women-led MSMEs sponsored
As part of component 2 of the Facility, Expertise France has made a special commitment to the African Union Commission (Economic Development, Tourism, Trade, Industry and Mining Department ETTIM) for the development of the African private sector.
It is in this context that, through Expertise France, the Facility is supporting the African Union Commission by sponsoring the participation of 50 women-led MSMEs in the IATF 2023, giving these companies a platform to project their products and services to the forefront of the African scene.
These women entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to forge links with major companies and investors from different regions, and to benefit from the shared experience of other SMEs.
The idea is to highlight women-led businesses, enable them to access market opportunities more effectively, and further strengthen their capabilities by taking part in the various discussion sessions.
IATF 2023 transcends the scope of a simple trade fair, and embodies the ambition of a united, dynamic and flourishing Africa, where the private sector and MSMEs are the driving forces behind this renaissance.
To find out more: EU-TAF project sheet - Expertise France