Afreximbank, AU with Others Honour late Mahamadou
By Okwo romeon
The African Export-Import Bank(Afrimbank),the Africa Union (AU) African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat,and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) have announced the unveiling of a statue in honour of former President of the Republic of Niger and African Union Champion of the AfCFTA, Issoufou Mahamadou, in Accra, Ghana. The statue was in commemoration of the late Niger President vital leadership and Pan-African vision in driving the realisation of the AfCFTA.
In a statement,the organizations explained the achievements of the late leader to include,successfully leading the conclusion of the AfCFTA negotiations as AU Champion for AfCFTA; its entry into force; the launch of the operational phase of the AfCFTA; the 1st January 2021 start of trading under the AfCFTA; thus being pivotal in placing industrialisation, market liberalisation, economic diversification and economic integration at the centre of the African Union’s agenda.
African Continental Free Trade Area Secretariat Secretary General, Wamkele Mene said: “His Excellency Issoufou Mahamadou went to great lengths to lead and oversee the establishment and implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area.
“This statue provides a lasting commemoration of his pivotal role both for today’s and for future generations of Africans. It represents a symbol for the collective effort and courage of African leaders in achieving that landmark.
“The AfCFTA provides Africa with immense opportunities for the industrialisation, diversification and economic development that will rapidly accelerate our continent to truly global competitiveness across multiple sectors.”
Speaking,President and Chairman of the Board of Directors, Afreximbank, Prof. Benedict Oramah said: “The AfCFTA is therefore not only the most significant development in Africa since the establishment of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) in 1963, but also, the world’s second largest Free Trade Area, after the World Trade Organisation (WTO) in terms of the number of member states.”
