AfCFTA Strides, National Implementations Fall Behind


AfCFTA Strides, National Implementations Fall Behind

The 15th Council of Ministers Meeting of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) convened in Addis Abeba last week, bringing together stakeholders to discuss boosting trade integration and sustainable development on the continent. The AfCFTA aims to transform small and fragmented markets into a single market of over 1.4 billion people, looking to ensure heightened growth and development. It will enhance Africa's collective bargaining power on the global stage and aligns with the commitment to sustainable development goals and the African Union's Agenda 2063. Ethiopia, represented by the Ministry of Trade and Regional Integration has participated in the AfCFTA negotiation process and initiating pilot trades through the Guided Trade Initiative. The AfCFTA Secretary-General, Wamkele Mene, stressed the importance of accelerating implementation at the national level, emphasizing the need for the inclusion of the private sector, youth, and small and medium enterprises.


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CAPITAL BRIDGES

Tilahun Kassahun (PhD), CEO of the Ethiopian Securities Exchange shares a joyful moment with government executives. He is joined by Angela Rayner, UK Deputy Prime Minister, Hana Tehelku, director general of the Ethiopian Capital Market Authority, and Ahmed Shide, Minister of Finance, at the ESX headquarters in Nile Building. They celebrated the UK government's support in establishing the Exchange, which included a 760,000-dollar (600,000-UK pound) contribution via FSD Africa for a technical advi...


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BIKE BRIGADE

A row of bicycles parked on the side of a street in the Gofa condominium complex look set to make their next delivery run. This method of delivery is often chosen for its efficiency in navigating through traffic, its environmental benefits, and its cost-effectiveness. Further, research indicates that frequent cyclists can save up to 45pc of their monthly household income compared to those using public transport...


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ROOTED WALLS

A tree growing on the grounds of the Hilton Addis hotel compound has the consolation of not being cut down. According to Global Forest Watch, from 2001 to 2023, Addis Abeba lost 365hct of tree cover, representing a 49pc decrease. Likely a Ficus species, known for extensive or invasive roots, the tree has integrated into the inside wall of the 56-year-old hotel. Fig trees are commonly found in various regions around the world and are admired for their tenacity and ability to thrive in challenging...