The 14th African Union High-Level Forum for the Private Sector, organised by the African Union Commission (AUC) in collaboration with the East African Community Secretariat, is set to take place at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi from July 10th to 12th, 2023. The three-day forum, themed “Public-Private Sector Engagement for Inclusive Growth and Sustainable Development while Deepening Regional and Continental Trade and Investment towards Implementation of AfCFTA,” aims to facilitate dialogue and collaboration among more than 500 participants from across Africa and beyond.
The opening session of the High-Level Forum, scheduled for Monday, July 10th, 2023, will be inaugurated by distinguished guests including Hon. Rebecca Miano, Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of East Africa Community, ASSLS; H.E Amb. Albert Muchanga, Commissioner of the Economic Development, Trade, Tourism, Industry, and Minerals (ETTIM) of the African Union Commission (AUC); H.E Wamkele Mene, Secretary General of the AfCFTA Secretariat; H.E Hon. Dr. Peter Mathuki, Secretary General of the East African Community (EAC);
Other dignitaries expected at the beginning of this year’s High-Level Forum include Dr. Amany Asfour, President of Africa Business Council (AfBC); Ms. Angelina Ngalula, Chairperson, East Africa Business Council (EABC); Ms. Carole Kariuki, EBS, MBS, CEO, Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA); Mr. Anthony Mwangi, CEO, the Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM); and H.E. Dr. William Ruto, the President of the Republic of Kenya. Other Heads of State from the African Union Member States are also anticipated to attend the Presidential Session on July 12th, 2023.
The overarching objective of the 14th High-Level Forum is to strengthen the linkages between regional and continental markets, fostering increased trade and investment across Africa. To achieve this goal, the forum has outlined several specific objectives. Firstly, it aims to leverage the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to promote regional value chains and enhance productive capacity. Secondly, it seeks to empower women and youth in regional and continental development, recognizing their essential role in driving economic growth. Thirdly, the forum will explore how digital transformation trends can be harnessed to boost trade and investment in Africa.
Additionally, the High-Level Forum aims to raise awareness of the significance of the creative economy in promoting inclusive and sustainable development, as well as deepening regional trade. Furthermore, the forum will address diverse regulatory frameworks impacting regional trade and investments, discussing measures to overcome related challenges. Environmental sustainability and the adverse effects of climate change will also be key areas of focus, with strategies for promoting action and mitigating their impact on trade and investment. Lastly, the forum will explore ways to overcome barriers to accessing finance, thereby facilitating increased participation of businesses across Africa.
The programme is also expected to yield significant outcomes. It aims to produce recommendations and a proposed road map to strengthen linkages between regional and continental markets, facilitating increased trade and investment. Additionally, the forum will culminate in the Private Sector Declaration, outlining business-friendly activities aimed at promoting environmental sustainability and addressing climate change mitigation.
With the participation of key stakeholders from the public and private sectors, including high-ranking government officials and industry leaders, the forum is poised to contribute to the advancement of trade, investment, and sustainable development across Africa.