More than 100 local enterprises went through the ‘How to Export with the AfCFTA’ workshop, which the International Trade Centre (ITC) has rolled out across the continent.

As part of the workshop in Cotonou, 20 Beninese trainers also learned how to conduct their own workshops, so that they can continue spreading their free-trade know-how to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

‘Exporting is not easy for a company,’ said ITC expert Ilyas Choubaili, who conducted the training of trainers. ‘It is necessary to prepare, be ready to export, optimize cross-border trade, logistics, penetrate the market, and carry out risk studies. It is also crucial to understand how to finance your intra-African export.’

The new trainers that he worked with got hands-on experience, by leading the second phase of the workshop that guided business leaders ‘How to Export with the AfCFTA.’

That component highlighted the technical considerations, export opportunities, and financial benefits unlocked by the AfCFTA. The businesses worked with the trainers to assess their export readiness for intra-African trade. They were introduced to key logistics challenges and opportunities. And they learnt how to select high-potential export markets, and identify and comply with export documents and intra-African trade regulations.

‘There is a voracious appetite within the AfCFTA for Beninese products and services,’ said Ludmila Azo, country manager at ITC. ‘It is about making them more competitive on the one hand, and on the other, equipping our SMEs to export better.’

The workshop was organized with Benin Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Investment and Export Promotion Agency (APIEx Benin).  

The ‘training of trainers’ was conducted by ITC and supported by the Benin Chamber of Commerce, APIEx Benin, Beninese Customs, the Ministry of Industry and Trade, and the Autonomous Port of Cotonou.

Interactive workshop

The event followed ITC’s new digital workshop methodology with presentations, videos, exercises, and conferences. ‘It is an interactive workshop for sharing and exchange,’ said Ilyas Choubaili. Several stakeholders participated, including ITC trainer who introduced the African Trade Observatory, and a representative from Benin Customs who discussed customs formalities. As a partner and lead funder of the training programme, the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) showcased its export support products and various solutions designed to help SMEs integrate within the AfCFTA.

Benin is one of the 54 African Union member states that have signed the AfCFTA agreement, but has yet to ratify it.

ITC and Afreximbank have also established a complementary free online training platform, which has trained over 10,000 small businesses.

This workshop in Benin was implemented through new support provided from the International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Trade Centre.

Heavy rainfall has been affecting northern Nigeria, causing floods that have resulted in hundreds of lives lost and significant damage to homes and farmlands, impacting more than half a million people. The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is preparing an emergency response to provide immediate relief to the most affected households across the north-eastern states of Adamawa and Borno. 

Across the country, over 515,794 people have been impacted by the devastating floods, with 205,338 displaced, 170 lives lost, and significant damage to 76,667 houses and over 106,089 hectares of farmlands. As heavy rains continue to affect communities across the country. The devastating floods of 2022 stand out as a grim reminder of the havoc caused by heavy climate induced rains, with over 1.4 million individuals displaced. 

In Borno State, the IRC is preparing to provide immediate relief through multipurpose cash assistance to 600 of the most affected households to enable affected families to meet their immediate needs, including shelter, food, and other essentials, as they recover from the disaster. 

As the rainy season peaks, the IRC will monitor the situation closely and adapt its response to meet the evolving needs of populations in flood-affected locations across Nigeria, including Sokoto, Yobe and Zamfara where the IRC operates. In Adamawa State, the IRC has triggered its anticipatory action program with the provision of cash assistance to communities along the Benue River to mitigate the impact of the release of water from the Lagdo Dam. 

In addition to cash assistance, the IRC is addressing the urgent need for improved sanitation and access to clean water, as the flooding has led to a significant increase in waterborne diseases such as diarrhea and malaria. The conditions are ripe for the spread of other communicable diseases like cholera. 

Babatunde Ojei, IRC Nigeria Country Director, said: 

“The frequent occurrence of this flooding is unprecedented; it now happens annually, and the impact on communities is severe. We are deeply concerned about the long-term impact of this disaster on vulnerable populations, particularly in high-risk areas where continued rains are expected to worsen the situation.

The IRC is committed to providing life-saving assistance to those affected, but we cannot do it alone. We will continue to work closely with local authorities, partners, and community leaders to implement effective interventions that mitigate the risks posed by ongoing flooding and its aftermath.

We call on the international community, donors, and humanitarian organizations to urgently mobilize resources to prevent further loss of life and to help communities rebuild.”

The IRC has been working in Nigeria since 2012, providing life saving support to communities in Nigeria affected by climate-related disasters, armed conflict and other poverty related issues. The IRC runs eight field offices in northeast Nigeria and a country office in Abuja, the capital. The IRC works to help people recover and rebuild their lives by providing health, nutrition, water, sanitation and hygiene, and education services.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Rescue Committee (IRC) .

Placed under the authority of the President of the Commission, represented by his Director of Cabinet, Mr Abdou KOLLEY, the 2024 Retreat of Resident and Permanent Representatives was held from 26 to 29 August 2024, in Assinie, with the theme: ‘ECOWAS, 50 years at the service of West African integration, what perspective in a world of profound change?

Following the 65th Ordinary Session of Heads of State and Government, the Resident and Permanent Representatives met to support the development of ECOWAS’ regional integration policy. The aim of the meeting was to propose strategies and mechanisms to strengthen regional integration and the realisation of the ECOWAS of the peoples, and to share best practices to increase the visibility of ECOWAS actions in Member States.

In addition, the meeting aimed to take stock of the past fifty years and to discuss activities with a high community impact.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

Acting President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile has extended heartfelt congratulations to several South African sportsmen and women for their exceptional achievements over the past weekend.

Their victories have ushered the nation into the spring season, filled with hope and a renewed sense of national pride.

“Sports have a unique ability to bring South Africans together and uplift the nation’s spirits, even amidst our challenges,” said Acting President Mashatile.

“The incredible performances by our athletes this past weekend serves as a testament to their dedication, hard work, and the indomitable spirit of our people.”

The  weekend’s achievements highlights include: Mpumelelo Mhlongo who secured a gold medal in his 100m event, while Bayanda Walaza made history in Peru, becoming the fastest young man on earth with the remarkable times of 10.19 seconds in the 100m sprint and 20.52 seconds in the 200m sprint.

Also in Peru, Hannah Van Niekerk won a silver medal in Kima 400 m hurdles in the World U20 tournament.

In team sports, the National Rugby Team, the Springboks (Boks) defeated New Zealands All Blacks 31-27, while Stellenbosch FC and Orlando Pirates proceeded to the Final of the MTN 8 Cup. 

These remarkable results demonstrate the athletes’ prowess, showcasing the strength and talent of South African athletes on both local and international stages.

“The triumphs of Mhlongo, Walaza, and our esteemed sports teams are not just victories for them but for every South African who finds joy, pride, and unity in our nation’s sporting successes,” Acting President Mashatile added.

 “We celebrate these achievements and look forward to many more moments of national pride and joy.”

Acting President Mashatile concluded by emphasizing the power of sports in fostering unity and hope, urging all South Africans to continue supporting and celebrating their athletes as they represent the country on various platforms worldwide.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa.