The Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo has been awarded the 2020 Champion of Trade in Africa Award for his role in driving inclusive trade in Ghana, across Africa and establishing Ghana among the world’s fastest growing economies so says Trade with Africa Business Summit, organizers of the Award. While announcing the award yesterday, Toyin Umesiri, CEO Nazaru LLC & Founder Trade with Africa Business Summit acknowledged that President Nana Akufo-Addo has demonstrated what true dynamic leadership can accomplish in Africa especially for the countless successful initiatives he and his team continue to drive to solidify Ghana as a force to be reckoned with on the global stage. “We in the diaspora also acknowledge the leadership he has demonstrated globally as part of the “Year of Return”. Africa is the future and we will continue to celebrate leaders that lay a firm foundation to guarantee Africa’s collective prosperity for the youth through trade.”

His Excellency Ambassador Albert Muchanga, Commissioner for Trade and Industry – African Union (AU) was the recipient of the 2019 award. He was awarded for his leadership in forging unprecedented alliances and consensus among African Union (AU) member countries in driving the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) to adoption, which has led to the creation of the world’s largest trade bloc.

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In receiving the 2019 award in Chicago, His Excellency Ambassador Muchanga stated that the achievement was the result of teamwork under the Leadership of the Champion of the AfCFTA process, H.E. Issoufou Mahamadou, President of the Republic of Niger and H.E. Moussa Faki Mahamat, Chairperson of the African Union Commission. In addition, He emphasized the dedication of staff from the Department of Trade and Industry, the collaboration with other Departments within the AU Commission and more important, the unwavering political commitment from AU Member States and the role played by key development partners.

While attending the 2019 event H.E. Ambassador Muchanga also delivered a keynote address on the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) covering three main points which were; the AfCFTA and the opportunities it brings to investors and traders, the current status of implementation of the AfCFTA Agreement and the point on what lies beyond the launch of the operational phase of AfCFTA that was held in Niamey, Niger on the 7th July, 2019. The 2020 Champion of Trade award would be presented during the Trade with Africa Business Summit to be held July 22nd – 24th in Chicago.

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“We are hosting the most important trade event in America. With disruptions in the global supply chain; from Europe to China to Canada, Africa is positioned as the next economic frontier and the Trade with Africa Business Summit provides a front row sit to business & political leaders looking to engage commercially with Africa and Africa’s leaders looking to attract FDI and develop and showcase their nation’s export potential into global markets. With the signing of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) and manufacturing steadily shifting to the region, the timing is also right to maximize the African Growth & Opportunity Act (AGOA). Africa will increasingly impact global business in this century and the next. It is therefore important to educate ourselves as well as build sustainable business & political alliances to capture emerging trade opportunities” concludes Toyin Umesiri.

Kelechi Deca

Kelechi Deca has over two decades of media experience, he has traveled to over 77 countries reporting on multilateral development institutions, international business, trade, travels, culture, and diplomacy. He is also a petrol head with in-depth knowledge of automobiles and the auto industry