CSOS URGED TO PROMOTE THE AFCFTA AGENDA

By Lumbiwe Mwanza

CIVIL Society Organizations (CSOs) across the African continent should actively participate in making the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AFCFTA) a success by championing the agenda of reducing conflicts in the region, Zambia Social Forum (ZAMSOF) National Coordinator Gershom Kabaso has said.

Speaking with The Scoop Mr. Kabaso who is also Ibon International Board Secretary said championing the AFCFTA agenda would mean that CSOs played a leading role in reducing conflicts in the region as they were a barrier to international trade.

He noted that conflicts in some parts of the continent had the potential to significantly reduce international trade which may affect the implementation of the AFCFTA.

“CSOs have already been identified as a key stakeholder in the AFCFTA and are being challenged to be practical in helping reduce the likelihood of conflict at regional and continental levels. They need to engage various stakeholders including the general citizenry on the importance of peace as it promotes the African agenda in the AFCFTA,” Mr. Kabaso said.

He said that Governments across the continent needed to be supported in their efforts to maintain peace in respective countries as it was key towards promoting free trade which will enhance local and regional economies.

He said that CSOs had a role to play in providing checks and balances to Governments and also supporting their development agendas by supporting peace efforts.

He said that the trade agreement had many positives hence the need for CSOs to take lead in informing citizens on the benefits of actualizing the trade agreement for the continent.

He said that African countries needed to reach a point where movement of people and goods were enhanced.

He said that with good coordination, the AfCFTA could deliver far greater benefits in terms of jobs, growth, and poverty reduction than previously estimated, making it a potential game changer for Africa’s economic development if its ambitious goals were fully realized.