Dialogue on how AfCFTA regional relations can support continental trade

On 17 December 2024 from 11:00-13:00 CET, ECDPM together with The Nelson Mandela School of Public Governance co-organised an event to continue engagement on AfCFTA-REC relations by presenting some of the key findings of the ECDPM study 'How AfCFTA-regional relations can support continental trade'. --- This event will be an opportunity to raise awareness on the seven identified levels of AfCFTA-regional relations, which have implications for who should lead the process. It will also discuss recommendations on how to align regional and continental approaches around corridors and RVC promotion. The event will also open discussions around the AfCFTA-REC coordination mechanisms in place and how these can move from ‘discussions about actions without actual progress’, to forums to more systematically build on regional ‘best practices’, whether for peer-learning among RECs or for scaling up successful regional initiatives at the continental level in the implementation of the AfCFTA. Speakers Moderator Philomena Apiko, Policy Officer Economic Recovery and Transformation, ECDPM Presenters Bruce Byiers, Associate Director-Sustainable and inclusive economic development, ECDPM Faizel Ismail, Director of the Nelson Mandela School of Public Governance at the University of Cape Town Discussants Million Habte, Coordinator of AfCFTA Implementation via National Committees, AfCFTA Secretariat (tbc) Annette Mutaawe Ssemuwemba, Deputy Secretary General- Customs, Trade and Monetary Affairs, EAC Secretariat Allen Asiimwe, Chief of Programmes , TradeMark Africa