The Kick-Off Workshop for the Impact Assessment Study on AIDA and AfCFTA, a collaborative effort between the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD), the AfCFTA Secretariat, and the African Union Commission (AUC) is underway in Kigali, Rwanda. This workshop seeks to act as a catalyst for unlocking the immense benefits of the Accelerated Industrial Development of Africa (AIDA) and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The workshop is driven by a shared vision: to propel Africa towards accelerated industrialization and bolster intra-continental trade. With key stakeholders, leaders, and experts in attendance, the workshop provided attendees with invaluable insights into the roadmap for implementing the AIDA and AfCFTA Impact Assessment Study in order to foster a unified and strategic approach among stakeholders.
Launching the First Implementation Phase:
A pivotal phase of the workshop is the launch of the First Implementation phase. This phase is dedicated to the development of a Standard Assessment Guide, which is a critical tool for harmonized standards, facilitating cross-border trade and economic growth.
Visibility and Awareness
The workshop underscores the importance of visibility and awareness in ensuring the successful implementation of the study. By creating awareness and garnering support, the study aims to unlock the untapped potential benefits of AfCFTA and AIDA. This includes not only economic growth but also job creation and poverty reduction across the continent.
A Strong Foundation: AIDA and AfCFTA
The foundation of this workshop rests on Africa’s commitment to industrialization and regional integration. In line with the 17th Extraordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union on Industrialization and Economic Diversification in November 2022, AUDA-NEPAD has taken the lead in preparing country impact assessments on AIDA and AfCFTA. Collaboration with the AfCFTA Secretariat, AUC, and other stakeholders is integral to this initiative. The overarching goal is to identify challenges and opportunities at the national and regional levels, enabling Member States to design National Development Plans that accelerate regional integration.
The Year of AfCFTA: A Catalyst for Change
The year 2023 holds special significance for Africa as it adopts the theme “Year of AfCFTA: Acceleration of the African Continental Free Trade Area Implementation.” This theme is expected to generate outstanding political commitment and accelerate the effective implementation of AfCFTA, fully benefiting African citizens and aligning with the aspirations of Agenda 2063. The 36th Ordinary Session of the African Union Assembly, held in February 2023 in Addis Ababa, underscored the urgency of operationalizing AfCFTA, leveraging Pan-Africanism, and promoting solidarity among Member States.
A Synergistic Approach: AIDA and AfCFTA Nexus
Recognizing the dynamic interlinkages between inclusive and sustainable industrialization and the successful implementation of AfCFTA, the workshop promotes the simultaneous progress of AIDA and AfCFTA. Deliberate efforts from a wide spectrum of stakeholders aim to provide an enabling environment to unlock the vast opportunities spurred by AfCFTA, in alignment with the AU Agenda 2063 – “the Africa We Want.”
A Normative Framework for Industrialization
At the core of this initiative is the Plan of Action for Accelerated Industrial Development of Africa (AIDA). This program is the AU’s main normative framework for continental industrialization, initially endorsed during the January 2008 Summit themed “The Industrialization of Africa.” It signifies African leaders’ renewed commitment to industrialize the continent, both in the short and long terms.
A Blueprint for Progress: AIDA’s Programmatic Clusters
In response to the Summit’s directive, the AU Commission, in collaboration with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), developed a strategy for AIDA’s implementation. This strategy is structured across seven programmatic clusters, each designed to address critical facets of industrial development:
- Industrial Policy and Institutional Direction
- Upgrading Production and Trade Capacities
- Promoting Infrastructure and Energy for Industrial Development
- Developing Industrial and Technical Skills for Africa’s Development
- Fostering Industrial Innovation and Technology Systems, Research, and Development
- Facilitating Financing and Resource Mobilization
- Advancing Sustainable Development for Responsible Industrialization
