A Nigerian team led by the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Okechukwu Enelamah (photo) is to head to Rwanda this week for talks with the other African countries over the Continental Free Trade Area (CFTA) agreement.

This team, according to the Strategic Communications Adviser to the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Constance Ikokwu, has an obligation to convince the 53 other African nations to adopt the CFTA’s draft.

“These negotiations are a geo-strategic imperative because of Nigeria’s standing, position and leadership. Increasing intra-African trade is crucial in a global economy that is turning protectionist. The CFTA negotiations provide a huge opportunity for economic growth and increased welfare in Africa. At the same time, we will continue to take into cognizance the complexities of our domestic market and ensure appropriate safeguards for the Nigerian economy,” the Minister had said in a statement.

Deadline for the adoption of the CFTA was set by the African Union, in December 2017. Once finalized, the CFTA will improve the movement of goods and services, boost trade facilitation and support the Presidential Initiative on the Ease of Doing Business within the 54-member block of the continent.

Anita Fatunji