The 2019 Africa CEO Forum kicked off on Monday in Rwanda’s capital, Kigali, bringing together thousands of delegates from across the continent and beyond.
The Forum brings together Heads of State, CEOs, investors, top executives, experts and other officials from various industries to deliberate on Africa’s business prospects.
Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame was joined in Kigali by other Heads of State for the official opening ceremony of the forum, including Felix Tshisekedi (Democratic Republic of Congo), Sahle-Work Zewde (Ethiopia) and Faure Gnassingbe.
2019 marks the 7th edition of this continental forum, and will focus on the Continental Free Trade Area, which is hoped will integrate Africa into a single market.
“We are here to ensure that the CFTA becomes a reality,” Amir Ben Yahmed, president of the Africa CEO Forum said in his opening speech.
On his part, President Kagame called for concerted efforts in ensuring the CFTA deal is implemented efficiently.
“One year ago, in this very room, 44 countries signed the continental free trade area – and more have done so since – on the free movement of persons across Africa. The continental Free Trade Area is on the path of coming into force. I understand that only one more ratification is needed. However, as we all know, this is where the hard work begins. It is very timely for us to gather here today to discuss how to make the most from this historic agreement among other important issues” he said.
The Africa CEO Forum will run until 26Th March, with various deliberations and presentations lined up.
The opening session of the Forum in Kigali was moderated by CGTN Africa’s senior anchor Beatrice Marshall.
