The African Development Bank invites you to a virtual panel discussion themed Intra-Africa Trade in the Age of COVID-19 – Issues, Challenges and Way Forward as part of the wider Cultivate Africa dialogue.
While intra-Africa trade in agriculture has been growing over the years, the levels remain significantly below the potential. The question, therefore, becomes whether the pandemic could be used as an opportunity to expand intra-African trade in agriculture and create as well as expand regional supply chains.
Other questions to be explored include:
- How has the pandemic exacerbated or mitigated the challenges to intra-African trade?
- How can the African Continental Free Trade Area foster intra-African trade in agriculture?
- What kind of support do African governments, farmers, and the private sector need to mitigate the impact of the pandemic?
Moderator:
Edwini Kessie, Director of the Agriculture and Commodities Division at the World Trade Organisation
Speakers:
- Kanayo Awani, Managing Director, Intra-African Trade Initiative, Afrexim Bank
- David Luke, Director and Coordinator, African Trade Policy Centre, United Nations Economic Commission for Africa
- Wandile Sihlobo, Chief Economist of the Agricultural Business Chamber of South Africa (Agbiz), Commissioner at the International Trade Administration Commission of South Africa (ITAC) and member of Presidential Economic Advisory Council in SA
- Joseph Coompson, Regional Sector Manager, Agriculture and Agro-Industry Department, African Development Bank
- Gerald Ajumbo, Chief Trade Facilitation Officer, Industrial and Trade Development Department, African Development Bank
The main objective of the Cultivate Africa Dialogue is to unlock a concerted multi-stakeholder partnership to create a sustained and effective response that averts the adverse effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on food security and nutrition and food systems.
Registration to panel session: https://www.cultivate-africa.org/events/cultivate-africa/form
Visit the event website www.cultivate-africa.org
African Development Bank Group
