AfCFTA, AU, UNECA, AU name ex-Nigerien president champion of free trade area

THE SECRETAR IAT OF AFRICAN CONTINENTAL FREE TRADE AREA (AfCFTA), believed to be the largest free trade group in the world, along with the African Union (AU), the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) and African ExportImport Bank (Afreximbank) are honouring Issoufou Mahamadou, former president of Republic of Niger, describing him as champion of the AfCFTA.

AfCFTA groups a market size of more than $3 trillion, with a population of over 1.3 billion in 55 African nations (though not all of the countries have ratified the free trade area’s treaty).

The bodies have also unveiled a statue to mark Issoufou Mahamadou’s pivotal leadership and pan-African vision in driving the realisation of the AfCFTA.

His key achievements in this respect include successfully leading the conclusion of the AfCFTA negotiations as AU champion for AfCFTA; its entry into force; the launch of the operational phase of the AfCFTA; the 1st January 2021 start of trading under the AfCFTA; thus, being pivotal in placing industrialisation, market liberalisation, economic diversification and economic integration at the centre of the African Union’s agenda.

Wamkele Mene, secretary-general, African Continental Free Trade Area secretariat, said: “Issoufou Mahamadou went to great lengths to lead and oversee the establishment and implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area”.

Mene said the statue provides a lasting commemoration of Issoufou Mahamadou’s pivotal role both for today’s and for future generations of Africans. “It represents a symbol for the collective effort and courage of African leaders in achieving that landmark. The AfCFTA provides Africa with immense opportunities for the industrialisation, diversification and economic development that will rapidly accelerate our continent to truly global competitiveness across multiple sectors.”