The 60th anniversary commemoration of the AU has been held in honour of the vision and accomplishments made towards a unified, wealthy, and peaceful Africa that is led by its own people and serves as a powerful force in the international arena.
The event, with the topic "Accelerated Implementation of the AfCFTA," also served to honour the founding members of the AU, whose goal was to work towards a unified Africa while rejecting all forms of (neo)colonialism.
Thomas Mbomba, a deputy minister of foreign affairs and regional integration, stated at the occasion in Accra yesterday, "We should not take it for granted as a nation. Today, we are beneficiaries of the sacrifices our freedom heroes made to achieve the complete emancipation of the continent.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration organised it in conjunction with the AU and the Secretariat of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
In addition, there was a food bazaar and flag-raising to commemorate the occasion.
Schoolchildren, senior officials of the Ghanaian armed forces, representatives of various security agencies, and members of the diplomatic corps' African section were there.
economic expansion
After 60 years of laying the groundwork for a united Africa, Mr. Mbomba stated that it was essential to take advantage of the opportunities provided by the AfCFTA in order to promote sustainable development. He also noted that the continental trade regime had the potential to change the economic landscape of the continent and strengthen its position in the global market.
In order to guarantee that African people, both individuals and groups, fully benefit from the different arrangements and norms, he continued, "To this end, it is vital that we speed action on their implementation.
Wamkele Mene, the secretary-general of the AfCFTA, said that there were still some talks on important operational instruments, such as schedules of concessions and obligations and rules of origin, that would ensure more successful commerce under the AfCFTA.
He said that talks on procedures for digital trade and trade involving women and young people were also continuing.
In order to help revive industrialization and prepare the path for the real integration of Africa, Mr. Mene asked member nations and other stakeholders to join in the actualization of the goals of the continental free trade agreement.
According to a more recent World Bank assessment, the continent could earn an extra 9%, or $571 billion, with the full implementation of the AfCFTA, and up to 50 million people may be lifted out of severe poverty by 2035.
Commendation
Imane Ouaadil, the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco and Dean of the African Group (the group of African Ambassadors to Ghana), praised Ghana for hosting the AfCFTA Secretariat and for being one of the first nations to engage in international commerce under the AfCFTA's advantageous regulations.
She said that the deal will also create additional prospects for pandemic recovery and that the execution of the accord is gaining pace and enhancing intra-African commerce across the continent.
Food market As part of the event, a variety of African dishes were on display at a food mart.
The visitors were drawn to the cuisine by its appearance and scent, and they enjoyed some of the most well-known delicacies on the continent, including Attiéké from Cote d'Ivoire, Atay Djazairi, an Algerian mint tea, and eba and banku, which are famous throughout West Africa.
The variety of meals and flavours reflected the continent's progress towards political and economic union as well as the diversity and unity of its people.
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