The development of exports in Côte d'Ivoire's agricultural and agri-food sectors has become a key strategy for maximizing the value of local products and know-how, ultimately driving value creation, wealth generation, and job opportunities within the country. Reflecting this priority, the Executive Secretariat of the African Continental Free Trade Area National Committee (AfCFTA-NC) participated in the TRANSFORM TALK conference on 7 July 2022 at the headquarters of the European Institute for Cooperation and Development (IECD).
This conference brought together various stakeholders, including sector players and key partners. Organized by the IECD with the support of the AfCFTA-NC Executive Secretariat, the event aimed to foster opportunities and encourage networking for local entrepreneurs under the theme: "Exporting Agro-Industrial Products: What Are the Opportunities and Requirements?"
During the event, the AfCFTA-NC Executive Secretariat delivered a comprehensive presentation, providing participants with insights into the opportunities available through the AfCFTA. The team addressed concerns related to industrial development and strategies to enhance the competitiveness of Ivorian industrial companies in light of the agreement's implementation.
This initiative aligns with the IECD's ongoing project, launched in 2016, which incubates and supports local businesses in agri-food entrepreneurship. To date, the program has trained and assisted over 200 entrepreneurs, equipping them with tools to thrive in competitive markets.
The conference underscored the AfCFTA’s critical role in promoting intra-African trade. Experts, entrepreneurs, and representatives from both public and private sectors highlighted the advantages of the AfCFTA, which aims to progressively eliminate customs duties on intra-African trade. This will enable African businesses to trade seamlessly across the continent and capitalize on the growing African market.