SMEs convene in Accra to tackle AfCFTA implementation challenges  

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from Anglophone and Francophone nations across Africa have gathered in Accra for a three-day workshop aimed at fostering collaboration and navigating the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The event, which opened on Tuesday, November 26, seeks to bridge linguistic and regional divides to strengthen Africa’s single market agenda.  

Organized by the African Capacity Building Foundation in collaboration with Centre Régional Intégration in Africa (CRIA), the workshop is themed *“Bridging Anglophone and Francophone Markets through Trade Facilitation, SME Partnership, and AfCFTA Value Chain”*.  

Key discussions and initiatives  

The workshop features participants from SMEs, civil society organisations, and representatives from various government ministries, departments, and agencies. Key topics include strategies for enhancing trade policy formulation, understanding AfCFTA protocols, applying rules of origin, and fostering SME partnerships to build resilient value chains.  

In a speech read on his behalf, AfCFTA Secretary-General Wamkele Mene emphasised the transformative potential of the AfCFTA.  

“This framework seeks to transition Africa from its traditional role as a supplier of raw materials to becoming a competitive producer of high-value goods and services,” Mene said.  

While acknowledging the historical challenges posed by linguistic and institutional disparities stemming from Africa’s colonial past, he highlighted the opportunity for collaboration.  

“By fostering collaboration across linguistic and regional divides, we can build the capacity needed to integrate our economies, create resilient value chains, and ensure that no one is left behind in Africa's journey toward prosperity,” he added.  

Breaking barriers  

The AfCFTA Secretariat has rolled out initiatives to facilitate seamless cross-border trade. Abdul Kamara, the West Africa Regional Trade Advisor for AfCFTA, highlighted the Pan-African Payments and Settlement System (PAPSS) and platforms such as the rebranded AfCFTA Business Forum (Biashara Afrika) and the biennial Intra-Africa Trade Fair (IATF) as pivotal to achieving this goal.  

He also stressed the significance of the AU Protocol on Free Movement of Persons in enabling cross-border travel and collaboration.  

“To succeed, stakeholders must harmonise trade frameworks and embrace digital innovation to address linguistic barriers,” Kamara said.  

Capacity building  

In an address read on his behalf, the Executive Secretary of the ACBF, Mamadou Biteye reaffirmed his organisation’s commitment to supporting African nations in domesticating trade agreements and enhancing SME awareness of AfCFTA opportunities.  

“This workshop is part of ongoing efforts to equip MSMEs with the knowledge and capacity to access business opportunities under AfCFTA. More training sessions will follow in 2025 across key Regional Economic Communities,” Biteye noted.  

Professor Lehlohonolo Tlou, Executive Director of CRIA, stressed the importance of intra-African trade.  

“For Africa to fully benefit from the single market, it is imperative to strengthen government agencies’ capacities and address bottlenecks such as language barriers,” she said.  

A vision for unity  

As the workshop progresses, participants aim to identify actionable strategies to foster unity and inclusivity under AfCFTA, ensuring that Africa’s diversity becomes a driver of economic growth and prosperity.