In a bid to bridge the gap between policy and grassroots implementation, the West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Policy Network (APN) are set to host a crucial side event on July 20, 2024, at the Accra City Hotel in Ghana.
The event, titled “Exploring the Role of Civil Society to Accelerate the Implementation of AfCFTA,” aims to redefine and strengthen the involvement of civil society organizations (CSOs) in Africa’s economic integration process.
The announcement came during a press briefing held yesterday, where Meron Dagnew, Head of Communications and Information at WACSI, outlined the event’s objectives and potential outcomes.
The gathering coincides with the 20th anniversary celebration of the Economic, Social and Cultural Council (ECOSOCC), an advisory body of the African Union that has been instrumental in integrating civil society voices into continental dialogues on development.
“For two decades, ECOSOCC has been a beacon, championing the integration of civil societies into the continental dialogue on social, economic, and cultural development,” Dagnew stated.
She emphasized the critical need for enhanced CSO engagement in the AfCFTA process, noting that despite the agreement’s transformative potential, civil society involvement has been limited thus far.
The side event seeks to address this gap by focusing on three key objectives: identifying implementation gaps in AfCFTA and defining CSO roles in addressing them, determining strategic entry points for civil society engagement, and consolidating recommendations to enhance advocacy and promote strategic collaborations.
Mr. Osei Kyeretwie, Head of Programmes at ECOSOCC, highlighted the significance of the event in the context of ECOSOCC’s anniversary. “This gathering represents a continuation of our two-decade-long mission to empower civil society in shaping continental policies,” Kyeretwie remarked.
Emmanuel Bensah, Deputy Director of APN, stressed the importance of civil society participation in realizing AfCFTA’s full potential.
“The AfCFTA framework offers immense opportunities, but without active civil society engagement, we risk falling short of its transformative promise,” Bensah warned.
The organizers anticipate that the event will lead to the development of robust mechanisms for stronger partnerships among key stakeholders, including government, the private sector, and civil society. Additionally, they aim to establish clear entry points and action plans for CSOs to effectively engage in AfCFTA implementation.
Ms. Omolara Balogun, Head of Policy Influencing & Advocacy at WACSI, expressed optimism about the event’s potential outcomes.
“By bringing together diverse voices and expertise, we hope to create a comprehensive strategy for civil society involvement that will drive continental-wide policy reforms and create an enabling environment for AfCFTA’s success,” Balogun explained.
As Africa stands at the cusp of a new era of economic integration, this event promises to be a pivotal moment in ensuring that the benefits of free trade are realized equitably across the continent. With civil society organizations poised to play a more significant role, the implementation of AfCFTA may see a more inclusive and grassroots-driven approach in the coming years.
The organizers have extended an invitation to all stakeholders to participate in this landmark event on July 20th, emphasizing the critical role of collective engagement in shaping Africa’s economic future.
