The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Business Forum is currently taking place in Cape Town, South Africa, from the 17th to the 19th of April 2023. This forum is aimed at fostering greater collaboration between businesses in Africa and promoting trade across the continent.

The AfCFTA Business Forum is an initiative of the African Union, which seeks to promote trade and investment within Africa. The AfCFTA agreement, which came into effect in January 2021, aims to create the world’s largest free trade area, covering 1.3 billion people and a combined GDP of $3.4 trillion.

The forum is expected to bring together business leaders, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and other stakeholders from across the continent to discuss ways to promote intra-African trade and investment. Some of the key topics that will be discussed at the forum include digital trade, green growth, and infrastructure development.

One of the main goals of the forum is to encourage African businesses to take advantage of the opportunities presented by the AfCFTA. By promoting greater collaboration and trade within Africa, businesses can increase their competitiveness, create jobs, and contribute to the economic development of their respective countries.

Another important aspect of the forum is the opportunity for businesses to network and form new partnerships. This is particularly important for small and medium-sized enterprises, which often face challenges in accessing markets and financing.

In conclusion, the AfCFTA Business Forum is an important platform for promoting trade and investment in Africa. By bringing together businesses from across the continent, the forum provides an opportunity to discuss key issues and identify ways to promote greater collaboration and growth. With the AfCFTA now in place, it is hoped that this forum will help to unlock the full potential of intra-African trade and contribute to the economic development of the continent.