Mr. Prince Bagnaba Mba, President of Forum for Equity, has proposed renaming the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to African Trade Union (ATU) to boost enthusiasm and participation. According to Mr. Mba, the current acronym AfCFTA is a mouthful, and rebranding it as ATU would create a simpler, more catchy name that attracts participants and investors.
Speaking on the importance of AfCFTA for the development of African countries, Mr. Mba commended the architects of the agreement for creating a platform that facilitates a common market in Africa. AfCFTA, established in March 2018, aims to create a single market, enabling the free movement of goods, services, investments, and people across African countries.
Mr. Mba acknowledged the efforts of Ghana, under the leadership of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, in implementing AfCFTA and setting up its headquarters in Accra. He praised the diplomatic efforts and negotiations carried out by the President, Vice President, and the then Minister of Trade and Industry, emphasizing that it is crucial for the common good.
However, Mr. Mba highlighted the need for increased sensitization at the grassroots level, ensuring that market operators and industrialists are aware of the relevance and opportunities presented by AfCFTA. He suggested that renaming AfCFTA to African Trade Union could bring vibrancy and vigour to the agreement, making it more accessible and appealing to Africans.
