The 31st edition of the multi-sector mission, organised by the Club Afrique Développement Côte d'Ivoire of the Attijariwafa Bank Group and the Société Ivoirienne de Banque, took place on Thursday, 9 December 2021.
With the objective of facilitating regional exchanges and fostering debates on South-South cooperation, the conference aimed at addressing: "AfCFTA and the challenges facing made-in-Côte d'Ivoire production." The event was sponsored by Mr. Miezan Félix Anoblé, Minister for the Promotion of SMEs, Crafts, and the Transformation of the Informal Sector.
Approximately 300 companies, including representatives from the banking industry, numerous partners, and VIPs, attended this hybrid at the Sofitel Abidjan Hôtel Ivoire.
The National Committee of the Continental Free Trade Zone, represented by its Executive Secretary, Mrs. Fatoumata Fofana, participated as well.
During the conference, Mrs. Fatoumata Fofana was invited to contribute as a panellist on the topic: "What contribution can the AfCFTA make to the growth of African businesses," alongside Gérard Amangou, Deputy Managing Director of APEXI CI.
In her presentation, Mrs. Fatoumata Fofana informed the members of the Club Afrique Développement, as well as public and private sector participants, about the objectives and mechanisms implemented by the African Continental Free Trade Area to facilitate African economic integration and growth.
The panel also discussed the implications of the AfCFTA for the Ivorian private sector and the challenges faced during the agreement's implementation at both the continental and national levels.
Mrs. Fatoumata Fofana also encouraged financial institutions to develop a support system for national business champions to foster growth.
Gérard Amangou, Deputy Managing Director of APEX-CI, called on Côte d'Ivoire's private sector, particularly high-export-potential companies, to take greater advantage of the AfCFTA agreement to tap into the continental market.
SE