H.E. Wamkele Mene: Unpacking the role of trade and investment promotion in advancing the AfCFTA at the Africa Month webinar
HE Ambassador Wamkele Mene, the Secretary-General of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), will be addressing the continent in a webinar as part of the Africa Month celebrations on Friday, 6 May 2022, from 11h00 to 13h00 (CAT).
The theme of the webinar is: “The role of trade and investment promotion in advancing the AfCFTA.”
Since the beginning of 2021, the AfCFTA has being earnestly rolled out by Ambassador Mene with the support of the African leadership with utmost keenness.
*** H.E. Mr Youssef AMRANI, Ambassador of Morocco to South Africa ***
The journey of the realisation of the AfCFTA goals has begun with notable support from the Heads of States and other prominent leaders in the continent. It therefore becomes logical to celebrate the humble few steps this initiative has taken in its 16th months of formal operationalisation.
*** Mr José Miranda, Grow Africa Director: Zutari ***
Intensive participation by the business community is another aspect that needs close monitoring given the centrality of this community in driving trade and investment in the continent. State-owned companies do have a vital role to play as well. The organisers of the event are therefore looking forward to the participation of this sector in the event.
*** Ben Leyka, CEO: DRC Invest ***
Diplomats, in the continent, are expected to participate in their numbers given the need for them to guide their countries in the advancement of the initiative.
*** Mr John Karegwa, CEO: Invest in Africa Conference ***
Interest from the rest of the world cannot be discounted given the way in which Africa’s trade and investment is interwoven with the rest of the world – thus, this event will add to the noble efforts of updating the global business community. In other words, updating and sharing on developments thus far is not for continental consumption and benefit but also for investors whether already or intending to invest in the continent.
*** JahRose Japhta, world-renowned poet and Deputy President of the National Writers Association of South Africa (NWASA) ***
The potential that the AfCFTA has for the continent is huge. Notwithstanding the benefits and prospects, challenges ahead are also strewn on the road for the realisation of a sizeable intra-African trade. Furthermore, it is not only trade but also investment – in all its different forms – that is crucial for the realisation of the AfCFTA vision.
*** Thabiso Sikwane, a seasoned broadcaster and published author ***
Ambassador Mene is keen to share progress and challenges he has gone through since the advent of this initiative.
*** Masingita Masunga, established television personality and founder of abOVEnormal Sports and Fitness Gear ***
The Programme Directors of the event will be Dr Nimrod Mbele (Chai FM: “Beyond Governance Show” presenter) and Thabiso Sikwane (a seasoned broadcaster and published author).
And the programme will be as follows:
Welcome Remarks: Sisa Njikelana, CEO: Sinakoyoli Consulting
Context – The Africa IPA CEO Forum: Saul Molobi, Group CEO & Chairman: Brandhill Africa
Poetry Rendition: Ms JahRose Japhta (Internatoinally-acclaimed South African poet)
Keynote Address: H.E. Mr Wamkele Mene, SG: AfCFTA
Respondents: H.E. Mr Youssef AMRANI, Ambassador of Morocco to South Africa (Morocco); Mr Ben Leyka, CEO: DRC Invest (Democratic Republic of the Congo); Mr José Miranda, Grow Africa Director: Zutari (Angola); Mr John Karegwa, CEO: Invest in Africa Conference (Kenya/Netherlands)
Vote of Thanks: Masingita Masunga, Brand Ambassador: abOVEnormal Sports and Fitness Gear.
*** Sisa Njikelana, CEO: Sinakoyoli Consulting ***
The Brandhill Africa and Sinakoyoli Consulting – through the former’s platforms: Jambo Africa Online (a weekly news portal) and the Biashara Services and Products Africa (BiSPA) Conference and Exhibition (which is a series of December annual conferences interspersed with quarterly webinars) – are the organisers of this august event. The event is partly sponsored by Zutari, an engineering services company with a presence across Africa and the Middle East.
*** Saul Molobi, Group CEO & Chairman: Brandhill Africa ***
The following are the Zoom Login Details:
Meeting ID: 557 094 5594
Passcode: 682852
Or click here to connect to Zoom.
To listen to the podcast of the one-long pre-event interview on Chai FM between Dr Nimrod Mbele and the co-convenors, please click here.
For further clarity, please contact: Saul Molobi on +27 11 759 4297, +27 83 635 7773, [email protected] or please visit: www.brandhillafrica.com and www.jamboafrica.online
