What will Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala’s WTO Appointment mean for Africa and the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) Implementation?





This was one of the key questions a Journalist representing a major African Government News Agency asked me yesterday during a media interview. As I responded to his questions, I also felt I needed to pen my thoughts for my community about this very important moment in history.


If you have not already heard the big news you are living under the rock - The World Trade Organization (WTO) has appointed its next Director General (DG) who happens to be African and a Female – both of these descriptive words carry so much meaning for Women all over the world and for the African continent; a region home to over 1 billion people.







Highlights:

  • To advance Agriculture, it is important for stakeholders to consider the entire value chain and not only sections of it i.e., from Farm to Market.
  • Agriculture sectors requires heavy investments for transformation to happen
  • Since investments are required long term in this sector, there are truly no immediate returns and this is why Government has a key role to play to create meaningful incentives to attract investors
  • All stakeholders must work with one another towards mutual benefits
  • International stakeholders desire to bring in technical expertise, equipment and seeds etc. however financing is a key driver - PPPs have been known to work to reduce burden on the farmers.


Watch the replay and also share what your thoughts are. See you tomorrow for the final edition of this series.


Toyin is a global influencer, a transformation coach and serves as adviser to business and government stakeholders around the world. She is the Founder and CEO of Nazaru and leads many global initiatives that attracts high profile leaders. To schedule a Consultation with Toyin visit her website - www.toyinumesiri.com | Email: info@toyinumesiri.com