As the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) kicks into life, in spite of doubts by critical stakeholders, it is necessary to take stock of how the free trade agreement is being perceived by traders across the spectrum. Adebayo Abubakar caught up with South African author and publisher Nomawele Njongo to bare her mind on how upbeat she is about the AfCFTA’s prospects.

Enjoy!

Adebayo Abubakar:  Could you please give a brief introduction of yourself?

Nomawele Njongo: I am the founder of KwaziThina Publishers, a company I named after my two sons Kwazi and Thina who are authors, and I am an author myself. They inspired me to develop an International literary platform called Africa Teen Authors Book Initiative, created to redefine Africa and how the world thinks about the continent by promoting the writing and reading of African stories by teens, advancing the Pan-African in them at a tender age. In addition, I am a founder and Director of Esigela SA Learners Book Initiatives focused on bringing African stories into South African schools and Funda Funda Mpondo Literary Festival created to advance storytelling culture and heritage in my region.

Adebayo Abubakar: With the state of things at the moment, are you impressed with the level of progress made so far with the AfCFTA?

Nomawele Njongo: First and foremost, I am impressed by the formation of such a great initiative that would enable Africans to trade with each other. Again, as Africans, I’m impressed by the mandate of the AfCFTA to eliminate trade barriers on the African continent. That means the successful implementation of the AfCFTA will lead to the creation of more decent jobs, improved welfare, and a better quality of life for all Africans and promote sustainable development. I’m also impressed by the roadmap of the AfCFTA and its achievements. These achievements include but are not limited to the following:

• Launch of trade under the AfCTFA Guided Trade Initiative (GTI);
• Pan-African Payment System (PAPSS) in collaboration with the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank);
• The $11 Million Grant Agreement with African Development Bank, and AfCFTA HUB app.

Adebayo Abubakar: Can you tell us about the level of South Africa’s involvement in the AfCFTA? 

Nomawele Njongo: As a South African, I think our country is playing a significant role in the AfCFTA Agreement.  South Africa was one of the countries that endorsed the AfCFTA [Agreement] when it was launched during the 24th AU Assembly in June 2015, in South Africa. The negotiations were led by the Department of Trade, Industry, and Competition (DTIC) with the South African Revenue Service (SARS) as a key member of the negotiating team.

Nomawele Njongo: Yes, but that will not be achieved overnight, a strong foundation needs to be built, and Africans need to be loyal to the  Pan-African Agenda.

Adebayo Abukakar: During the course of the expected growth, do you foresee any obstacles? If so, what are they? 

Nomawele Njongo: I foresee obstacles like weak infrastructure, and logistic problems. Another obstacle is the issue of communication. Africans must not leave their heritage in the trade. Languages need to be addressed at regional levels. We must not continue the usage of foreign languages as the languages of communication.  We need to adopt languages that are used in different regions and use them and have translations for those who do not understand them. We are Africans, we need to also promote our heritage, culture, and arts when trading with each other.

Adebayo Abubakar is a Nigerian journalist. You can reach him via email: marxbayour@gmail.com

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