Dar es Salaam, 22 October 2019 - The AfCFTA Forum in Tanzania raised awareness about AfCFTA implementation, and demonstrated the value of doing so.
Organised by the UN Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) and Trademark East Africa (TMEA), the Tanzanian edition of the AfCFTA forum was held in Dar es Salaam on Tuesday 22 Oct 2019 and was attended by policymakers, private sector and the civil society representatives.
John Ulanga, CEO of Trademark East Africa (TMEA) in Tanzania, emphasised the importance of that forum, underscoring the role of development partners like TMEA and ECA in raising visibility and understanding of the AfCFTA.
Andrew Mold, Acting Director of ECA in Eastern Africa, made a presentation highlighting the potential benefits of AfCFTA. “The implementation of the AfCFTA could result in welfare gains amounting to USD 1.8 billion for Eastern Africa and creating 2 million new jobs”, said Mold.
Participants at the meeting affirmed that increased awareness of AfCFTA in the country is very essential.
They also noted that harmonising standards across the region would tackle the issues associated with non-tariff barriers, and this translates as more – and more fruitful – trade within and between East African countries. Infrastructure will also prove instrumental in reducing the cost of doing business in Tanzania, and therefore holds another key for unlocking the full potential of AfCFTA.
Meanwhile, the role of informal trade was emphasised, with it emerging that participants were keen to understand how the AfCFTA could move people into formal work.
This Forum held in Dar Es Salaam is one in a series of many other events organised by ECA in Eastern Africa, all seek to garner a better understanding of AfCFTA among stakeholders.
Issued by:
Office for Eastern Africa
Economic Commission for Africa