Congo Town, Liberia – A two-day first Afreximbank Liberia Trade roadshow has been launched in Monrovia by Oakwood Green Africa Limited (Oakwood Green), African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, and development partners.
The two-day high-level seminars aim to advance trade on the African continent, with a focus on helping institutions and firms engaged in trade explore options for financing and structure support, supporting the Intra-Africa Trade Drive; Ensuring the Last Mile is the focus of the program, which is in line with Afreximbank’s mission of supporting and financing intra- and inter-African trade.
The roadshow seeks to give entrepreneurs and investors throughout the continent a platform for cooperation and the investigation of new trade and investment opportunities.
The Chief Executive Officer of Oakwood Green Africa Limited, Gabriel Edgal said, the African continental free Trade area represents another big step forward while speaking at the beginning of the two days of high-level discussions in Monrovia.
‘‘Our ability to leverage commerce, reinvent what it means to be African, and determine our own futures is made possible by these institutions. As Africans, we must start our own Industrial Revolution despite being plucked over centuries from our soil, the resources are still ours and that we must use them.”
He said, the labor used to create other countries is still in Africa, noting that the continent still has the knowledge needed to create the pyramids, famous cities, and other buildings like the Benin empire. Edgal added that the moment is now time for African to free themselves from the mental bonds that have kept them captive long after slavery was abolished. He continued that Liberia should have taken the lead in this effort based on its history, but sadly, they were scattered by the typical clamor and narrow agenda that perpetually keeps them in the background while other countries enjoy the benefits of growth.
According to the CEO, most African businesses often lack basic technology, proper structures knowledge, and access to capital and Trade opportunities, making it difficult for operations. He reiterated that the focus of the two days conference is to propel the growth of Sub-Saharan Africa’s small and medium enterprises through the promotion of access to tools and technology knowledge, financing and markets as key pillars for their business and economic growth.
Edgal encouraged participants to look towards to the future and enhance productivity and accelerate businesses across the region. He stressed the need for the promotion of women and Youth participation in trade and provide them with the necessary support and resources to succeed.
One of the highlights of the roadshow will be Afreximbank’s funding support for African business institutions, with Oakwood Green is playing a crucial role as the last mile partner for entities and institutions seeking funding from Afreximbank within the African continent. The event focuses on future discussions with government and business entities on founding Initiatives aimed at increasing Liberia’s participation in intra-African trade.
The conference started on Tuesday, May 16, 2023, and is expected to climax on Wednesday, May 17, 2023, at the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Ministerial Complex with the June 2023 edition expected to be held in Accra Ghana.
Reported by: Joseph Kerkula
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