PAMA Advocates for Business Role in Economic Agreements

The Pan-African Manufacturers Association (PAMA) has called on African governments and regional institutions to institutionalize private-sector participation in the negotiation, implementation, and review of economic agreements. PAMA emphasized that while governments have the mandate to negotiate international agreements, businesses are the ultimate users of these economic provisions.

The Association pointed out that manufacturers and private-sector operators understand the commercial conditions necessary for market access and investment. PAMA criticized the current process where business organizations are often consulted only after major negotiating positions are established, which excludes critical commercial considerations.

The Association advocates for structured consultations before agreements are finalized and mechanisms for business organizations to monitor implementation and identify barriers. PAMA aims to ensure that economic agreements are informed by the businesses that will invest, produce, and trade under them, reaffirming its commitment to collaborate with governments and development institutions to strengthen the connection between policy and industry.