ECA pushes Africa's integration agenda, inclusivity and equitable trade at the 2017 aid for trade global review

Abstract

The just-concluded 2017 Aid for Trade Global Review that was held on the theme “Promoting Trade, Inclusiveness and Connectivity for Sustainable Development” saw the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) participating in key sessions with a focus on advocating Africa’s regional integration agenda, in particular, the flagship CFTA initiative and crucially, placing emphasis on more inclusivity and equitable outcomes in global trade. During a regional session on Africa, a joint ECA-WTO regional report entitled: “Promoting connectivity in Africa: the role of Aid for Trade in boosting intra-African trade” was presented. ECA’s intervention focused on the need to support policies and improve connectivity for the Continental Free Trade Agreement (CFTA). Further, discussions looked into emerging issues, such as digital connectivity, as well as the links between the expected benefits of intra-African trade and development cooperation, which the session stressed, should be guided by continental frameworks, such as the Action Plan for Boosting Intra-African Trade. The meeting called for innovative approaches in Aid for Trade and a wider range of projects and sectors to be promoted through the framework, including issues concerning digital connectivity. The need for the incorporation of gender into all Aid for Trade work was strongly emphasized.