Global economic stakeholders have expressed the belief that Ecofairs 2024 will contribute to advancing the objectives of Intra-African trade within the framework of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Ecofairs, a business initiative by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and Friendly Countries in collaboration with the Lagos state government, was discussed at a recent news briefing in Lagos. Mr. Amr Altantawy, the head of the Economic and Commercial office at the Embassy of the Arab Republic of Egypt, highlighted that Ecofairs would play a crucial role in boosting trade and investment among African nations.
Altantawy underscored the significance of collaboration to fully implement AfCFTA, emphasizing its potential benefits for various sectors, including food industries, agriculture, mining, energy, construction, infrastructure, textiles, health, medical industries, and information technology.
Ms. Samantha Bukari, Consul General of Ghana, stressed the importance of ensuring widespread acceptance of AfCFTA in Africa and globally. She also emphasized the need to eliminate trade barriers to give the continent a competitive advantage on the global stage.
Ambassador Christophe Baziuamo, Rwanda’s High Commissioner, viewed AfCFTA as a manifestation of the continent’s collective vision for unity in commerce and trade. While recognizing its potential, he highlighted that unlocking AfCFTA’s full benefits requires addressing critical infrastructure issues and nurturing local industries.
The CEO of Ecofairs, Mr. Ejarkaminor Riicolins, revealed that the 2024 edition would feature various activities, including sales and exhibitions, Lagos by night, African excellence awards, and malaria eradication. He anticipated the participation of over 10,000 potential buyers during the 10-day event scheduled from September 6 to September 15, 2024.
“In line with the aim of the AfCFTA to promote indigenous goods and services, interregional partnership entrepreneurship and business extension between Africans and friendly countries, this fair is being held. It would open investment opportunities to foreign investors in the region and facilitate skill and knowledge transfer from invited countries of the year to a sizable number of African young entrepreneurs.
“Ecofairs would also provide solutions to communities by rendering social services such as malaria eradication programmes,” he said.
Meanwhile, Comptroller Dera Nnamdi, Comptroller, Tin Can Port, Command, Nigeria Customs Service, said the service was interested in facilitating a higher level of trade between Nigeria and other African countries.
Also, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, assured participants at Ecofairs of the highest levels of security.
