Events

Past Event

The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA): A Developmental Free Trade Agreement

September 26, 2024
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
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Low Library, 535 W. 116 St., New York, NY 10027 Rotunda

A conversation with

H.E. Wamkele Mene
Secretary-General of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)

and

Lisa Sachs
Director of the Columbia Center on Sustainable Investment

The AfCFTA Agreement is designed to drive broader economic development and transform African economies through trade liberalization, enhancing competitiveness, attracting investment, and strengthening value chains across the continent. Covering a wide range of areas, including trade in goods and services, investment, intellectual property rights, competition, and digital trade, the AfCFTA takes an inclusive approach with a dedicated protocol for women and youth in trade. This creates an enabling environment for investors targeting dynamic sectors that drive industrial and technological progress. Beyond serving as a trade facilitation rule book, the AfCFTA Agreement aims to tackle poverty, promote sustainable development, support the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and foster economic integration and cooperation among African nations, making it a vital tool for Africa’s economic transformation.

Columbia University students are invited to participate in a moderated question and answer session.

This program is cosponsored by the Columbia Center on Sustainable Investment (CCSI).

Advanced registration is required for in-person attendance. Registration will remain open until Wednesday, September 25, at noon, or until capacity is reached.

Contact Information
World Leaders Forum
[email protected]