Digital Friday breakfast on the implementation of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area
Date : October 29th, 2021, 8:30 am – 11am
Venue : Online through Zoom
The idea of the “Friday Breakfast on Economy and Regional Integration” is to
• link economic questions with Social Protection and Good Governance.
• inform journalists and other actors on different topics related to Regional Integration and Economy.
• increase the awareness on international debates.
• bring experts together by creating a space to discuss relevant issues and current topics.
• create a well-informed network of Rwandan journalists and non-state.
EPRN and FES Rwanda are hosting the “Friday Breakfast” regularly on a monthly basis. Participants from CSOs, Media Houses, and academia who are interested in the topics and have a focus on Economy and Regional Integration are welcomed and invited. During the “Friday Breakfast” a presentation will be given, followed by a moderated Discussion, including questions and answers. The “Fri- day Breakfast” will not take longer than 90 – 120 minutes, participants are requested to be on time.
Topic for Friday, 29th of October 2021 - 08.30am – 11.00am
The AfCFTA emphasizes the reduction of tariffs and non-tariff barriers, and the facilitation of free movement of people and labour, right of residence, right of establishment, and investment. Yet the hype around the AfCFTA’s agenda could experience a boomerang effect if negotiations on some protocols and annexes become protracted. Despite its extensive propagation by the AU leadership, some experts have cautioned against the way ahead for the AfCFTA, yet expectations remain high. There are several challenges on the road ahead. Member nations of the African Union vary in their preparedness to execute the requirements of the agreement and its related protocols and annexes. It is also a fact that in order for the AfCFTA to thrive, the continent needs to address the existing annual infrastructure deficit—about USD$108 billion according to the African Development Bank (2018)—to be able to drive free trade. Additionally, the continent would require billions of dollars to strengthen supply chains as well as fiscal and monetary policy in order to ensure that the benefits of the agreement are maximized. Primarily, there is the need to develop national strategies to guide the implementation of the AfCFTA. Therefore, the central objective of this discussion is to discuss the implementation of the AfCFTA and to inform the audience about challenges, opportunities and current status. In accordance with the moderator Ms. Anysies Ishimwe, Mrs Peace Basemera, and Mr Eric Manzi, experts on the topic, are going to engage the audience in the discussion.
Please confirm (not later than Wednesday, 28th of October your participation : info@fes-rwanda.org or info@eprnrwanda.org
Concept note