Beru Lilako caught up with Elena Antoni, a sustainable trade, finance and investment consultant. She shared her expert views on trade and climate change.
The increasing cost of capital in Africa, exceeding levels observed in other regions, the lack of reliable information and data which is essential for investors to make informed decisions, collectively represent major impediments to new investments in Africa and the continent’s appeal to foreign investors.
In this special Q & A, DevDispatch Contributor Beru Lilako discusses the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) with economist Eckart Naumann. The discussion sheds light on AGOA developments and possible synergies with the AfCFTA.
Regional trade integration could become the vehicle for economies on the continent to transition to higher growth and job creation in a changing global environment. In particular, it can help to make countries more resilient to climate change and risks of geopolitical fragmentation.
Imagine a continent where value chains thrive, people can trade freely across borders, businesses can access new markets and opportunities, where farmers can earn significant income from their produce, consumers can enjoy a variety of high-quality goods and services, and where poverty, unemployment and inequality are reduced. This is the AfCFTA’s promise to spearhead economic transformation in Africa.