The Kenya National Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KNCCI) hosted World Chambers Federation (WCF) President Peter Mihok and 59 chambers Presidents from the various African states in Nairobi on 23-24 October 2018 for the Africa Chamber Leaders’ forum.

The two-day event focused on fast tracking the realization of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) as well as the preparedness of the business community in the continent. The event further recognized that business leaders in Africa need to understand the opportunities arising from this agreement for local as well as foreign investors.

Other topics addressed during the event included cross cutting challenges encountered by African chambers; how to build sustainable chambers in Africa; the role of the Pan-African Chamber of Commerce & Industry in promoting intra-Africa Trade and the AfCFTA potential; and the Rio 2019 World Chambers Congress.

Speaking ahead of the event, KNCCI National Chairman Kiprono Kittony, who doubles as one of the vice presidents representing Africa at the WCF, called the forum timely and relevant to tackle existing hurdles in promoting intra-Africa trade.

“We are pleased to be hosting the continental business leaders to discuss ways of improving intra-Africa trade as there still exists multiple trade barriers that favor trade with other countries in other continents. We believe that the discussions we intend to hold will chart a way forward towards unlocking the potential of opening up trade amongst African businesses and provide new innovative ways to tackle existing bottlenecks to governments and other non-state players,” said Kittony.

The event was also used to inform the visiting delegations on the Blue Economy Conference set to be hosted in Nairobi in November under the theme “Blue Economy and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development”, focusing on new technologies and innovation for oceans, seas, lakes and rivers as well as the challenges, potential opportunities, priorities and partnerships.

The Africa Chambers Leaders’ Forum concluded with a Declaration and set of 18 Key Resolutions.