Kigali, Rwanda – 9 October 2024: Biashara Afrika 2024, co-hosted by the Government of Rwanda and the AfCFTA Secretariat, officially opened today at the Kigali Convention Centre. The event, held under the theme “Dare to Invent the Future of the AfCFTA,” serves as an unmediated platform bringing together the public and private sectors to explore new strategies for accelerating intra-African trade and strengthening value and supply chain systems.
In his opening address, H.E. Paul Kagame, President of Rwanda, highlighted the pivotal role of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), particularly those led by women and young people, in driving Africa’s economic transformation. He stressed that these businesses must grow beyond their current scale to truly unlock the continent’s potential. President Kagame also reflected on Kigali’s historic role as the birthplace of the AfCFTA agreement six years ago, reaffirming Rwanda’s commitment to advancing Africa’s economic integration.
Rwanda’s Minister of Trade and Industry, Mr. Prudence Sebahizi, emphasised the significance of the forum, noting that Kigali continues to stand as a symbol of Africa’s unity and economic self-reliance. He encouraged participants to use Biashara Afrika as a platform to forge new partnerships that will propel the continent’s industrialisation and growth.
H.E. Wamkele Mene, Secretary General of the AfCFTA Secretariat, outlined the achievements of the AfCFTA to date, with a particular focus on the Guided Trade Initiative, which has already facilitated trade between several African nations. Mene called on participants to seize the opportunity to invent new ways to expand trade and industrialisation, with the AfCFTA Secretariat poised to support these efforts.
Representing the African Union, H.E. Dr. Monique Nsanzabaganwa, Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission, underscored the need for resilient and inclusive value chains. She urged the private sector to engage more actively, highlighting the importance of youth and women-led enterprises in driving Africa’s future economic success.
AfCFTA Champion and former President of Niger, H.E. Mahamadou Issoufou, reflected on the progress made, while stressing the need for continued bold action in addressing Africa’s structural challenges. He emphasised that investing in Africa’s people, resources, and industries will be key to unlocking the continent’s full economic potential.
Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Investments, Trade, and Industry, Salim Mvurya Mgala, voiced Kenya’s strong support for the AfCFTA, describing it as “a good transformative tool that is going to transform the economies of Africa and also inspire the potential for growth and prosperity.”
Dr. Jean Kaseya, Director General of the Africa CDC, echoed these sentiments by stating that “Biashara Afrika 2024 was conceived as a strategic moment to rethink the future of Africa and AfCFTA, and the way to unlock the Intra-Africa trade.” He also addressed a critical public health issue, challenging a recent US travel advisory related to Marburg virus risks in Rwanda. Dr. Kaseya assured participants that Rwanda poses almost zero risk of exporting the virus, owing to its robust health surveillance systems and preparedness. He stressed that Rwanda’s health infrastructure is well equipped to manage such public health challenges, reassuring attendees about the safety and readiness of the host nation.
The event’s exhibition featured innovations from 110 exhibitors across Africa, spanning sectors such as technology and agribusiness. The exhibition provided a vibrant platform for businesses and governments to forge new partnerships, further driving intra-African trade.
As Biashara Afrika 2024 continues until 11 October, co-hosted by the Government of Rwanda and the AfCFTA Secretariat, participants will engage in high-level discussions and collaborations to shape the future of African trade.
