By Christabel DANSO ABEAM
In a strategic move to revolutionise trade education and professional development in Africa, the Africa Trade Academy (ATA) and Forum for International Trade Training (FITT) have entered into a groundbreaking collaboration.
This partnership is set to overturn trade education and capacity building by equipping African trade professionals with cutting-edge skills and internationally accredited certifications, empowering them to succeed in the dynamic global trade landscape.
The partnership utilises ATA’s in-depth knowledge of Africa’s trade landscape and FITT’s globally acclaimed training programmes, including the prestigious Certified International Trade Professional (CITP) designation.
During his speech at the launch of the partnership, Dode Seidu – Chief Executive Officer of ATA, said ATA has acquired the status of delivering partner of FITT training programmes.
“As a delivery partner, ATA will market, organise and deliver FITT training workshops, courses and programmes to prospective participants in Ghana and other parts of Africa. This move aims to address the critical skills gap in Africa’s trade sector, corresponding with the continent’s desire for economic transformation,” he explained.
Through the partnership, ATA will train participant in Feasibility of International Trade, International Market Entry Strategies, Global Value Chain, Products and Services for a Global Market, International Trade Finance and International Sales and Marketing.
He further informed that one would gain the FITT certificate in International Trade by taking any three courses, a FITT Diploma in International Trade by taking all six courses while an access to FITT skills workshops by taking any of the offered modules within the FITT courses.
Caroline Tomkins, President of FITT, on her part, emphasised the importance of partnership in global trade success, stating: “Collaboration is key to deal with challenges and also a step to expand global reach”.
She noted that the collaboration with ATA underscores the importance of equipping Africa’s trade professionals with skills and certification they need to bloom in the competitive global marketplace, and reaffirmed FITT’s commitment in aiding growth in the African trade industry.
Chief Trade Negotiator – African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) at the Ministry of Trade and Industry, Mickson Opoku, also acknowledged the importance of capacity building in the trade sector and reiterated the ministry’s commitment to support the ongoing course.
Mr. Opoku further urged private sector to take advantage of this partnership to help boost their capacity and trade on the international market.
