The African Union: Shaping Africa's Trade Future at Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF2023)

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November 09, 2023 to November 15, 2023

The Third Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF2023) organized by the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) in collaboration with the African Union (AU) and the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AFCFTA) Secretariat, will take place in Cairo, Egypt from 9th - 15th November, 2023. Under the theme The AfCFTA Marketplace.

IATF2023 will provide a unique and valuable platform for businesses to access an integrated African market of over 1.3 billion people with a GDP of over US$3.5 trillion created under the African Continental Free Trade Area.

Why the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF2023) is important

Promoting Intra-African Trade: The IATF plays a crucial role in boosting trade among African countries. Intra-African trade is generally lower compared to other regions, and the fair aims to address this by creating a conducive environment for African businesses to trade with each other.
Market Access: It provides African businesses with access to a larger market within the continent. This enables companies to expand their customer base and increase sales, ultimately contributing to economic growth.
Facilitating Networking: The fair brings together a diverse range of businesses, government officials, investors, and trade experts. This facilitates networking and partnerships that can lead to collaborations and business growth.
Showcasing African Products and Services: African businesses have the opportunity to showcase their products and services to a wider audience. This not only helps in building brand recognition but also highlights the quality and diversity of goods and services produced on the continent.
Attracting Investment: The IATF attracts domestic and foreign investors interested in African markets. This can lead to increased foreign direct investment (FDI), which can fuel economic development and job creation.

IATF 2023 Program of Events

The Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF) 2023 would be an exciting and impactful program of events designed to facilitate trade, foster collaboration, and promote economic growth within the African continent. These programs highlight and offer diverse opportunities for businesses, entrepreneurs, and creative professionals to engage, network, and explore trade and investment prospects at IATF2023.

Trade Exhibition Countries, large corporations, and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) can set up pavilions and exhibition stand’s tailored to their unique requirements. This provides opportunities for private and public entities to showcase their goods and services.
Trade and Investment Forum A four-day conference featuring leading African and international speakers with sessions addressing African trade and investment issues. The conference covers trade and investment opportunities under the AfCFTA and includes training workshops on exporting, standards, and marketing.
Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX) A platform showcasing Africa's creative economy in fashion, music, film, arts and craft, sports, gastronomy, and culinary arts. The CANEX Programme includes a Creative Africa Summit and a dedicated Creative Industry Exhibition.
B2B and B2G Platform This platform facilitates matchmaking, business exchanges, and the conclusion of business and investment deals. It is supported by a dedicated African & Hosted Buyers' Programme.
Country Days A segment open to four countries for showcasing trade, investment, tourism, and cultural opportunities. The first slot is reserved for the Host Country (Egypt).
IATF Virtual An interactive online platform showcasing goods, services, and investment opportunities. The IATF Virtual is live and continues even after the physical Trade Fair has ended.
Africa Automotive Show A platform for auto manufacturers, assemblers, OEMs, and component suppliers to exhibit their products and engage with potential buyers and suppliers. It includes an Auto Forum, Autoshow, and B2B and B2G exchanges.
AU Youth Start-Up Programme Featuring a dedicated Pavilion for Youth-Led Start-Ups in Africa where they showcase innovative ideas, prototypes, goods, and services. The IATF provides opportunities for matchmaking with venture capitalists, entrepreneurship training, and networking.
Diaspora Day IATF2023 Diaspora Day highlights commercial and cultural ties between Africa and its diaspora. It includes a Diaspora Summit, market and exhibition, and a cultural and gastronomic showcase.

The Africa Union activities at the IATF

The African Union (AU) will be actively involved in the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF) 2023, contributing to the event's success and regional economic integration.

The AU's involvement in the IATF 2023 highlights its commitment to promoting economic cooperation and integration among African nations.
By actively participating in the trade fair, the AU aims to showcase Africa's potential as a hub for intra-African trade and attract investments from both within and outside the continent.
The AU's involvement in the IATF 2023 also signifies its recognition of the importance of regional economic integration in boosting Africa's overall trade performance and fostering sustainable development across the continent.
Through its participation, the AU can leverage its influence to facilitate discussions and negotiations on key trade, Industry, tourism and minerals issues.
African Union Pavilion – Egypt International Exhibition Centre and Al Manara International Conference Centre

AU side Events at IATF

IATF 2023 DAY 1:

Thursday 9 November 2023

VENUE: MULTIPURPOSE HALL B

LET'S TALK AFRICA'S FUTURE: AGENDA 2063 MEDIA ROUNDTABLE

TIME: 10:15am – 11:15am

VENUE: AU COMMISSION PAVILION, HALL 3

This Roundtable engagement - working breakfast with African and international journalists will focus on information update on AU activities, interactive policy dialogue, building partnerships between the AU and media outlets, and raising awareness among media professionals about the potential of intra-African trade and the role of the AU in advancing this agenda.

PROGRAM:

Opening Statement by H.E. Albert Muchanga, Commissioner ETTIM, AU Commission.
Opening Statement by Director of Information and Communications, AU Commission. .
Presentation on the AU Agenda 2063 and Status of the first 10-year Implementation Plan, by Mr. Djamel Gharib, Ag. Director of IMET, AUC - ETTIM.
Presentation on the Activities under Industry, Innovation and Minerals Division. .
Presentation on the Activities under Trade.
Presentation on Communication and Partnership Plans with Media Stakeholders. .
Discussions Wrap Up for the Day.

OFFICIAL OPENING CEREMONIES OF THE 2023 AFRICA INDUSTRIALIZATION WEEK AND THE SECOND AFRICAN WOMEN IN PROCESSING (AWIP) SUMMIT

Time: 11:30 – 12:30 am

PROGRAM:

Opening Remarks by H.E. Mostafa Madbouly, Prime Minister of the Arab Republic of Egypt.

MASTER OF CEREMONY: TBC.

Statement by AfroChampions Initiative.
Statement by Dr. Amany Asfour, President, AfBC. .
Statement by Principals of Regional Economic Commissions. .
Statement by H.E Nardos Bekele-Thomas, CEO, AUDA-NEPAD. . Statement by Ms. Pamela Coke-Hamilton, Executive Director, ITC. . Statement by H.E Mr. Claver Gatete, Executive Secretary, UNECA. . Statement by Mr. Gerd Muller, DG, UNIDO. . Statement by H.E. Albert Muchanga, Commissioner ETTIM, AU Commission. .

MoUs SIGNATURE CEREMONY

LAUNCH OF AWIP PLATFORM

RIBBON CUTTING AND EXHIBITION VISIT.

SUPPORTING AFRICAN BUSINESSES AND POLICY MAKERS BENEFIT FROM THE AFCFTA: THE ROLE OF TRADE INTELLIGENCE.

Time: 2PM – 3PM

While the opportunities of the AfCFTA seem at the fingertips of African businesses and policy makers, the way to access those opportunities remains to be raised. Trade information and analysis is a key factor to support business decisions and policymaking across Africa.

This high-level side event will emphasize the importance of enhancing and disseminating trade intelligence, looking at the concrete example of the African Trade Observatory, one of the AfCFTA instruments, to ensure continental trade is made available to all and support economic development of Africa.

PROGRAM:

Opening Remarks

H.E. Albert Muchanga, Commissioner for Economic Development, Trade, Tourism, Industry and Minerals, AU Commission
Senior Representative of the EU Commission (tbc). Panel Session (tbc)
ITC: Mr. Mondher Mimouni, Chief of Trade and Market Intelligence, ITC
REC representative: Ms. Annette Ssemuwemba Mutaawe, Deputy Secretary General, Customs, Trade and Monetary Affairs, East African Community (EAC)
Government representative: Dr. Amany El Wassal, Head of the Commercial Agreements Sector, Ministry of Trade and Industry, Government of the Arab Republic of Egypt
Private Sector Representative: Mr. Kebour Ghenna, Executive Director, Pan African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PACCI).

LAUNCH OF THE AUDA-NEPAD SPECIAL ECONOMIC ZONES (SEZS) PROGRAM

Time: 3:15 – 4:15pm

HIGH LEVEL PANEL: NEXUS OF WOMEN AND YOUTH FINANCIAL INCLUSION, INDUSTRIALIZATION AND THE AFCFTA LAUNCH

Time:4:30 – 5: 30pm

COCKTAIL EVENT ON LAUNCH OF 1 MILLION NEXT LEVEL EGYPT

ORGANIZERS: AU COMMISSION (WGYD & ESTI), MINISTRY OF YOUTH AND SPORTS (EGYPT), AND AUDA NEPAD

VENUE: AU COMMISSION PAVILION, HALL 3

TIME: 6PM

IATF 2023 DAY 2:

Friday 10 November 2023

VENUE: MULTIPURPOSE HALL B

AFRICA’S SHORT AND MEDIUM-TERM’S TRADE AND INVESTMENT PRIORITIES FOR THE G20

VENUE: AU COMMISSION PAVILION, HALL 3

ORGANIZERS: AU COMMISSION (ETTIM)

This session will provide a Forum for exchange on what should be Africa’s immediate trade and investment priorities, with a view to enhancing Africa’s share of global trade, FDI, and ultimately the continent’s contribution to global GDP. The overall objective is to ensure that Africa strengthens its position internally from a trade and investment standpoint, which will give the Continent the leverage for a strong position during its engagement at the G20. The Dialogue examine how those priorities can advance intra- African trade as well as Africa’s share of global trade.

Statement by H.E. Albert Muchanga, Commissioner ETTIM, AU Commission.

ENVIRONMENTAL, SOCIAL AND GOVERNANCE (ESG) PRACTICE AMONG THE AFRICAN PRIVATE SECTOR

The objective of the Session is to discuss how to ensure the competitiveness of the African private sector in the context of climate change and sustainable trade and investment. The session will present and discuss the survey, highlight the case studies of companies that have embarked on ESG, with a view to understanding the opportunities and challenges that they encounter, as well as the strategies to put in place in support of the African private sector.

PROGRAM

Statement by H.E. Albert Muchanga, Commissioner ETTIM, AU Commission

ENTERPRISE AFRICA NETWORK HIGH LEVEL ROUNDTABLE

Time: 11:30am – 12:30pm

ORGANIZERS: AU COMMISSION (ETTIM) AND ITC

The EAN Roundtable meeting will onboard different stakeholders who are involved in the MSME Development landscape on the African continent. Notably, business development organizations Financial institutions including commercial banks and Development Finance Institutions domiciled on the continent offering financial support to MSMEs as well as government Ministries. The meeting will act as a platform to get buy in from different stakeholders for the EAN in the development of MSMEs.

PROGRAM:

Moderator: Arab Bank for Economic Development for Africa (BADEA)

Statement by BADEA/AFREXIMBANK

Remarks by H.E. Pamela Coke-Hamilton, Executive Director, ITC.

Remarks by H.E. Amb. Muchanga, Commissioner ETTIM, AUC.

Remarks from the President of the Africa Business Council.

Presentation on the Overview and Value Proposition of the EAN – AUC. § Discussions and Commitments from Stakeholders.

Vote of thanks – Closing Remarks

PROMOTING AGRO-INDUSTRIALIZATION IN AFRICA: CURRENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR INVESTMENT

ORGANIZERS: AU COMMISSION (ETTIM), AFREXIMBANK, THE AFRICAN BUSINESS COUNCIL (AFBC), AND THE AFCFTA SECRETARIAT

The side event is designed to sensitize trade and investment stakeholders about the pivotal role of agro-industrialization in Africa’s development and what they can do now.

This event aims to advocate for increased collaboration and investment in implementing initiatives such as CAAPs, draft a resource mobilisation strategy to support ongoing work on CAAPs and articulate the role of agro industrialisation in fostering economic growth, and ensuring food security across the continent.

PROGRAM:

Opening Remarks:

H.E. Amb. Josefa Sacko, Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy, and Sustainable Environment, AUC

Keynote Address on Investment Opportunities for Transboundary Agro-Industry Development in Africa, Evidence of the Common African Agro-Parks (CAAPs)
Mr Anselme Vodounhessi, CAAPs Programme Coordinator.

HIGH-LEVEL PANEL DISCUSSION ON PROMOTING INVESTMENT IN AGRO-INDUSTRIALIZATION IN AFRICA, WHICH FRAMEWORK FOR RALLYING PRIVATE SECTOR TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE CAAPS?

Panelists

- Dr Amani Asfour, President of the African Agribusiness Council, AfBC.
- H.E. Ms. Chileshe Mpundu Kapwepwe, Secretary General, COMESA.
- H.E. Mrs. Massandje Toure-Litse, Commissioner for Economic Affairs and

Agriculture, ECOWAS.

- H.E. Alex Assanvo, Executive Secretary, CIGCI.
- Mr. Abah Ofon, Senior Manager, Export Development Advisory, Afreximnbank.
- Mr Gerald Nel, Managing Director of Grüner.
- Mr Gagan Gupta, Founder and CEO of ARISE IIP, ARISE IS and ARISE P&L.

Wrap-up and Closing by the Moderator

FINANCING INDUSTRIALIZATION IN AFRICA

Time: 3:15 – 5:15 PM

This side-event aims at reflecting on resource mobilization and financing industrialization in Africa, and, among others, the establishment and operationalization of the African Industrialization Fund (AIF) and all relevant institutional and governance frameworks. These emanate from the 17th Extraordinary Summit Decisions and Declaration and mandate the African Union Commission, AUDA-NEPAD, the African Development Bank (AfDB), Afreximbank, Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA), African Trade and Investment Development Insurance (ATIDI) and other stakeholders to develop a roadmap that will lead to a stronger financial ecosystem dedicated to industrial development and enhancement in the continent.

Welcoming Address by Mrs. Ron Osman Omar, Ag. Head of Division of Industry, Innovation, and Minerals, African Union Commission (AUC ETTIM)

Moderator: Mr. Collins Ayoo AUC Panelists:

Representative from the African Development Bank (AFDB)
Representative from the African Export-Import Bank (AFREXIMBANK)
Representative from the African Trade Insurance (ATIDI)
Representative from the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa

(BADEA)

Representative from the African Trade & Investment Development

Insurance

Representative from the African Solidary Fund
Representative from the African Guarantee and Economic Cooperation

Fund (FAGACE)

Representative from the African Guarantee Fund
AUDA-NEPAD

CLOSING REMARKS AND GROUP PHOTO

IATF DAY 3:

Saturday 11 November 2023

VENUE: MULTIPURPOSE HALL B

GENDER-SENSITIVE CLUSTER DEVELOPMENT AND ENTERPRISE UPGRADING AS A MEANS TO BOOST WOMEN´S ECONOMIC PARTICIPATION IN AFRICA – EXAMPLES FROM THE COSMETICS SECTOR

ORGANIZERS: UNIDO AND AU COMMISSION (ETTIM)

This side-event aims at sharing best practices regarding cluster development, economic diversification, industrial upgrading, and export promotion and at reflecting on how local clusters can further contribute to boosting women empowerment. The side-event will specifically focus on the cosmetics sector in Africa, since this sector does not only offer good perspectives in terms of market access but does also capitalize on local resources, cultural heritage, biodiversity and sustainable practices and traceability to create innovative high-value added products. Furthermore, the sector has proven to be very attractive for female entrepreneurs and women employees in many countries.

PROGRAM:

Ms. Lemia CHEKIR THABET, National Project Coordinator of the PAMPAT Project in Tunisia (UNIDO).
Naa Atswei Nyakpo, UNIDO Cosmetic Cluster Expert, WACOMP Ghana Woman-entrepreneur from the cosmetics industry in Tunisia (tbc).
Woman-entrepreneur from the cosmetics industry in Ghana. (tbc)

President of the African Business Council, Egypt. (tbc)
President of the African Women in Processing. (tbc)
AfDB or BADEA (tbc)
Mr. Alaa FAHMY, Chief Technical Advisor of the regional ARAC Project based in Egypt (UNIDO).

FROM PROCESSORS TO ENTREPRENEURS: EMPOWERING AFRICAN WOMEN FOR MARKET INTEGRATION

10:15 – 11:15am

ORGANIZERS: PAN AFRICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY (PACCI) Short Description of the Session

STAKEHOLDER NEEDS ASSESSMENT: A CATALYST FOR UNLOCKING THE UNTAPPED POTENTIAL BENEFITS OF AFCFTA AND AIDA

10: 30 AM– 12:30PM

ORGANIZERS: AUDA-NEPAD, AU COMMISSION (ETTIM), AFCFTA SECRETARIAT, AFREXIMBANK, JICA AND UNIDO.

The objective of this side-event is to highlight the current state of development of pivotal Impact Assessment Tools advocated by AUDA-NEPAD and its collaborative stakeholders. It also seeks to foster partnerships, harmonize efforts, and synchronize the functions of diverse assessment tools. These tools include the AfCFTA & AIDA Country- level Impact Assessment Study, PAFTRAC led by Afreximbank, as well as EQuip (Enhancing Quality of Industrial Policies) and CIP (Competitive Industrial Performance Index) under the auspices of UNIDO.

UNLEASHING AFRICA’S UNICORN POTENTIAL; PROMOTING THE TECHNOLOGY INDUSTRY GROWTH AND FINANCING OPPORTUNITIES

Time: 2PM – 3PM

ORGANIZERS: UNDP AND AU COMMISSION (ETTIM)

PROGRAM:

ORGANIZERS: UNDP AND AU COMMISSION (ETTIM)

This side-event aims to provide a platform to drive a multi-sectoral dialogue on amplifying investment in digital infrastructure, to contribute and explore strategies that can lead to the growth of African unicorns, which in turn will create employment opportunities and drive economic growth across the continent, as well as to empower the African tech ecosystem to reach its full potential by going from 20 unicorns to 200 by 2030 and 2000 by 2063. By fostering collaboration, providing insights, and identifying actionable strategies, this discussion will contribute to building a vibrant and sustainable tech ecosystem in Africa, driving economic growth, job creation, and technological innovation across the continent.

PROGRAM:
Opening Remarks by H.E. Albert Muchanga, Commissioner ETTIM, AU Commission.

Session one: Promoting tech industry growth in Africa - The Future is Tech Panellists(TBC)

Session Two: Regulatory Frameworks, Financing and Investment of African Technology Ecosystem
Panellists (TBC)

LEVERAGING DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES TO ENHANCE MARKET ACCESS FOR WOMEN-OWNED EXPORT COMPANIES IN THE HORTICULTURE VALUE CHAIN<

TIME: 3:15 – 4:15pm

ORGANIZERS: UNECA SUB REGIONAL OFFICE FOR SOUTHERN AFRICA (UNECA SRO SA)

This side-event aims to interrogate the major market access impediments faced by Women-owned export companies in the horticulture value chain; to assess the role of digital technologies in driving competitiveness through, for instance, effective risk SPS management systems, traceability applications and enhanced cultivation methods; and to proffer recommendations to address the challenges faced by Women-owned export companies in the horticulture value chain.

HIGH-LEVEL DIALOGUE ON THE IMPLEMENTATION AND DOMESTICATION OF THE AFRICAN COMMODITY STRATEGY AND ITS ACTION PLAN

TIME 4:30 – 5:30PM

ORGANIZERS: AU COMMISSION (ETTIM)

The High-Level Dialogue on the implementation and domestication of the AU Commodity Strategy will aim to address the insufficient human and financial resources to meet the demands of different stakeholders and timely provision of operational resources to implement strategic activities.

The anticipated topics to be covered in this side event will focus on AU Strategic Partners jointly committing to provide operational resources for an initial 5-year implementation phase to ensure the launch and integration of the adopted initiatives and programs from the Action Plan into established national and regional institutions, mechanisms, and budgets.

PROGRAM:
Master of Ceremony: Mrs. Ron Osman, Ag. Head of Division of Industry, Innovation, and Minerals (AUC ETTIM).

Welcoming Address byMr. Chiza Charles Newton CHIUMYA, Ag. Director of Industry, Minerals, Entrepreneurship and Tourism; AUC

Welcome & Opening Statement: “A New Vision for Commodities Commercialization in Africa”, by H.E. Albert M. Muchanga, Commissioner for Economic Development, Trade, Tourism, Industry and Minerals, AU Commission.

Plenary Discussion: Multi-stakeholders Approach in the Implementation and Domestication of the African Union Commodity Strategy

Moderator: H.E. Albert M. Muchanga, Commissioner, AUC
Keynote Speaker: Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Egypt, TBC

Panelists (TBC):

Mr. Gerd Müller, Director-General, UNIDO
Dr. Akinwumi A. Adesina, President, AfDB
Dr. Bemedic Okey Oramah, President, Afreximbank
Ms. Nardos Bekele-Thomas, CEO, AUDA-NEPAD
H.E. Sheikh Mohammed Belal, Managing Director, Common Fund for Commodities
Ms. Rebeca Grynspan, Secretary-General, UNCTAD

IATF 2023 DAY 4:

Monday 13 November 2023

VENUE: MULTIPURPOSE HALL B

ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT OF WOMEN TO REALIZE AFCFTA AND AFRICA 2063 DEVELOPMENT AGENDA

Time: 2:00PM – 4:00PM

ORGANIZERS: AFRICAN BUSINESS COUNCIL (AFBC) AND AU COMMISSION (ETTIM)

Economic Empowerment of African Women is a key priority to realize the Sustainable Development Goals, the aspirations of the Africa Agenda 2063, and the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

This High-Level Panel is focusing on economic empowerment of women and Youth creating new jobs and descent work promoting the Entrepreneurial culture empowering the private sector. It will also focus on empowering women and Youth through education and enhancing the role of women in the building of their economies for Economic Growth and Creation of Wealth, supporting women owners of MSMEs, using Science and Technology for value addition, Trade facilitation and support services, Marketing, ICT, E- Marketing/E- Commerce, Access to Finance.

PROGRAM:

Moderator: H.E Dr. Amany Asfour President of Africa Business Council

Panelists: (TBC)

H.E. Dr Monique, Deputy Chairperson AU Commission
Ms. Ahunna Eziakonwa, UN Assistant Secretary General, UNDP Assistant Administrator and Regional Director for Africa
H.E. Ms. Nardos Bekele-Thomas, CEO, AUDA-NEPAD
H.E. Awani Kanayo, EVP Afrexim Bank
H.E. Pamela Hamilton, ED International Trade Centre
H.E. Hanan Morsy, Deputy Executive Secretary, UNECA
H.E. Amb Albert Muchanga, Commissioner for Economic Development, Trade, Tourism, Industry, and Minerals, AU Commission
Mamadou BETEYE Executive Secretary, Africa Capacity Building Foundation
Representatives of NFNV, COMFWB, OWIT (TBC)

PRODUCTION TRANSFORMATION: ACCELERATING AFRICA’S INDUSTRIALIZATION IN A CHANGING WORLD

Time: 4:15 – 5:30PM

ORGANIZERS: OECD, AFREXIMBANK AND AU COMMISSION (ETTIM)

This side-event aims to serve as an opportunity to listen to ongoing and future priorities for African countries with a view to identify an updated agenda for collaboration for the next decade. It will gather high-level representatives of governments and partner institutions to discuss how to improve policies for production transformation to achieve Africa’s Agenda 2063 for a prosperous continent. Participants are invited to join the debate and share experiences and insights, answering the following key questions:

What are the emerging priorities and challenges African countries face in navigating this complex technological and geopolitical landscape to diversify their economies and make them work for all?
What new solutions are there to the challenge of financing industrial transformation?
How can the PTPRs add value and further contribute to mobilizing investments and partnerships for industrialization in Africa?

AUC