Africa Renewal: January 2022

Free Trade Area

Happy owner processing order from a customer

Key pillars mostly in place to speed up Africa's free trade in 2022

One year in, African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) negotiators are making progress on remaining crucial elements, especially on rules of origin.

Economic Development

Wamkele Mene, Secretary General, African Continental Free Trade Area  Secretariat (AfCFTA)

One year of free trading in Africa calls for celebration despite teething problems

Wamkele Mene, Secretary-General AfCFTA Secretariat, says significant progress expected in 2022.

AfCFTA: Traders to have opportunities to scale up and expand their markets in 2022

Immediate priorities include finalising negotiations on rules of origin, providing a finance facility for SMEs and launching the African Trade Gateway digital platform.

AfCFTA: What has worked and the way forward on agricultural trade

Building on the gains for inclusive and harmonised food and business value chains.

Youth

Africa’s youth renew commitment to the SDGs

Africa’s Youth in The Decade of Action: Actors or Bystanders virtual hub mobilises young people for the Global Goals.
By UNECA

Health

Infant surrounded by protective malaria bed net in Ghana. Photo: World Bank/Arne Hoel

Widespread use of DDT for malaria control worries environmentalist

Botswana researcher and member of the global DDT Expert Group, Prof Bontle Mbongwe, says decisions on use should be based on science.

Culture and Education

Using comedy to tell the African story

Top comedian, Daniel ‘Churchill’ Ndambuki’s organization - Laugh Industry – is providing a platform and job opportunities for young artists in East Africa, sees opportunities in the AfCFTA.
Podcast