AfCFTA Chief Calls for Value Addition in Africa's Trade

Patience Okala, the National Coordinator and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria AfCFTA Coordination Office, stated that Africa must stop exporting raw materials and instead focus on adding value to its natural resources to fully leverage the opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Speaking at the Streamsowers & Köhn 20th Anniversary Business Forum on Thursday, Okala highlighted that value addition and beneficiation are crucial for Africa's industrialization and long-term economic growth.

She clarified that the AfCFTA extends beyond tariff elimination, serving as a framework for industrialization, value addition, and job creation. Okala noted that Nigeria is intensifying efforts to implement the AfCFTA under the leadership of Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, including developing simplified AfCFTA guides in six languages.

She called for stronger collaboration among governments, regulators, and the private sector to eliminate trade barriers and create a truly integrated African market, particularly benefiting MSMEs, women-owned enterprises, and young entrepreneurs.