The Ministry of Trade and Entrepreneurship of Botswana, in partnership with the African Trade Policy Centre (ATPC) and the Sub-Regional Office for Southern Africa (ECA SRO-SA) of the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), is set to host a one-day National Consultative Forum on the Development of Botswana’s National AfCFTA Implementation Strategy. The event taking place on March 6, 2025, at Travelodge, Gaborone.
Aims and Objectives of the Forum
The Forum seeks to bring together key stakeholders from government, private sector, civil society organizations, academia, and media to exchange ideas and provide recommendations for drafting Botswana’s National AfCFTA Implementation Strategy and Action Plan. The objectives include:
• Raising awareness about the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), its potential opportunities, and implications for Botswana’s economy.
• Defining roles of various stakeholders in ensuring the effective implementation of the AfCFTA in Botswana through a well-structured National Implementation Strategy.
• Gathering insights from stakeholders to shape a comprehensive and inclusive strategy tailored to Botswana’s trade and economic priorities.
Botswana’s Commitment to Regional Trade Integration
Botswana, as a member of the AfCFTA, recognizes the transformative potential of this trade agreement, which aims to create the largest free trade area in the world by connecting 55 African nations into a single market. The implementation of a national strategy will be crucial in ensuring that Botswana maximizes the benefits of increased market access, enhanced trade facilitation, and economic diversification.
Stakeholder Engagement for an Inclusive Strategy
By actively engaging stakeholders, Botswana aims to develop an evidence-based and practical implementation strategy that reflects the country’s trade interests and strengthens its position within the AfCFTA framework. The Ministry of Trade and Entrepreneurship encourages broad participation in the Forum to ensure that the final strategy is both comprehensive and actionable.
The outcomes of this Consultative Forum will directly contribute to shaping Botswana’s path towards a more competitive and integrated trade landscape within Africa.
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This Forum represents a significant step in Botswana’s efforts to harness the full potential of the AfCFTA and solidify its role in Africa’s evolving trade ecosystem.
