Kisumu City will host the 4th Africa Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) Sub-Sovereign Governments Network (AfSNET) Investment Conference from November 25th -27.
The high-profile event is expected to attract leaders from across the continent, including heads of state, governors, mayors, legislators, policy-makers, financial institutions and key stakeholders, all gathered for enhancing intra-Africa trade, regional integration and sustainable economic development.
This year’s AfSNET will serve as a platform to promote investments, expand educational and cultural exchanges through Sub-Sovereign governments with a view to operationalising the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCTA).
According to a statement from the bank, the forum will convene delegates from among members of the Forum of Regions of Africa (FORAF) as well as significant representation from a cross-section of private sector leaders, investors, development partners and representatives from the diaspora.
Organised around the theme “Leveraging the AfCTA for Sustainable Trade and Investment: A development pathway for African Sub-Sovereigns”, the conference seeks to act as a vehicle for promoting investments and industrialisation at the Sub-Sovereign level, empower local governments to drive economic growth and development across the continent and deepen partnerships between governments, investors and development partners in the implementation of AfCTA.
The conference also seeks to promote Kisumu as an emerging investment destination and a key participant in regional and global development.
Through the engagements, Afreximbank will also promote various digital products aimed at promoting intra-Africa trade.
Leaders who have confirmed attendance include Afreximbank President Prof. Bennedict Oramah, United Cities and Local Governments of Africa (UCLGA) Secretary General Jean Pierre Elong Mbassi, Kisumu Governor Prof Anyang Nyong’o, AfCTA Secretary General Wamkele Mene, Cabinet Secretary for Investments, Trade and Industry Salim Mvurya among others.
The inaugural AfSNET conference was held in Durban South Africa on the margins of the 2nd edition of the 2021 Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF2021).
By Chris Mahandara
