ACIOE Associates participated in the Africa Trade and Investment Summit recently organized and hosted at the Eko Hotels by BusinessDay. The two-day event encompassed panel sessions, roundtables, and a business pitch session to facilitate and encourage collaboration and partnership among attending organizations and businesses.
In their goodwill messages at the 2024 Business Day Africa Trade and Investment Summit, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Julie LeBlanc, Commercial Counsellor of the United States in Nigeria, and Sean de Cleen, Former Special Adviser to the UN Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Food Security, addressed vital themes and opportunities.

Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala emphasized the need to reimagine global trade and investment to accelerate African growth and development. She highlighted Africa’s growing young population, the potential of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the bright spot of services in global trade, and the importance of shock-proofing supply chains through globalization. Dr. Okonjo-Iweala also discussed potential agreements on investment facilitation and efforts to curb harmful fishing practices.

Julie LeBlanc, representing the United States, reiterated the commitment to being an economic and commercial partner to African nations. She shared achievements in trade and investment collaborations, the importance of the U.S.-Africa trade relationship, and initiatives such as the Digital Transformation with Africa (DTA) and the U.S. African Continental Free Trade Area Memorandum of Understanding. LeBlanc emphasized transparency and predictability as essential for attracting foreign direct investment.

Sean de Cleen, Former Special Adviser to the UN Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Food Security and Nutrition, discussed the critical decisions facing Nigeria and the region, especially against a complex global risk framework. He highlighted the challenge and opportunity presented by countries retreating from global value chains, urging a focus on regional trade facilitated by the African Continental Free Trade Agreement not leaving out the significance of transparency, predictability, and the need to accelerate shared data facilities and certification processes to unlock the potential of digital services in driving trade and development in the region.

Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, Special Adviser to the President on PEBEC & Investment, representing HE Senator Kashim Shettima GCON, Vice President of Nigeria commended the BusinessDay for creating the platform for Africa directed trade and investment to foster collaborations and mutually beneficial partnerships.