The Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Achile Sime, SL Financial, and Managing Partner of Epena Law, Johanna Monthe, have said that collaboration and integration are critical to growing intra Africa trade, which the continent must be deliberate about.
Speaking at the Francophone Africa Business Summit (FABS) themed “Investing in Francophone Africa: Playbook and Opportunities,” they said eliminating barriers against trade and entrepreneurship are important steps that Africa must take to grow intra trade, stating that it is vital that African countries grow trade among themselves.
The summit called for a review of obnoxious policies that inhibit trade, free movement of people within the continent to encourage SMEs, entrepreneurship and trade.
The summit commenced with a warm welcome address by Johanna Monthe, Managing Partner of Epena Law, followed by an inspiring opening speech by RolakeAkinkugbe-Filani in Victoria Island, Lagos.
The event brought together esteemed speakers and industry specialists from both Anglophone and Francophone African markets to explore pivotal issues and opportunities in sectors critical to Africa’s growth.
One of the highlight panels of the summit, the Institution Panel, delved into the theme of “Crossing Borders & Uniting Markets: Nigeria-Francophone Africa Relations.” Esteemed panelists including Biodun Ogunleye (Commissioner Lagos State Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources), Rock Bashala (Coordinator of the Business Climate Unit, DRC Presidency), and Aissata Lam (Director General, Investment Promotion Agency of Mauritania) engaged in insightful discussions contributing to the discourse on fostering economic collaboration between the regions.
Another engaging panel, the Investment Panel, focused on “Roadmap and Toolkits for Investing in Francophone Sub-Saharan Africa,” featuring distinguished resource persons including SadaLadanBaki, Group Executive Director Export, Dangote Industries, Serge Thiémélé Chairman of the Board, Phoenix Capital Management, and Solange Amichia, Managing Director, CEPICI, The Investment Promotion Agency of Cote d’Ivoire.
The summit also addressed opportunities for collaboration in agriculture, with the agriculture panel discussing “Opportunities for Collaborations to Achieve Regional Food Self-Sufficiency.” Ada Osakwe, Founder of Nulli Foods, Wilfrid Korsaga, MD, ARM Agribusiness, and LucineHapi, Managing Director, USAID|DRC Investment Activity, shared valuable insights on achieving food self-sufficiency in the region.
Other panels including real estate, construction, FMCG & distribution, infrastructure, energy and natural resources showcased a spectrum of investment avenues.
