Africa Prosperity Dialogues 2024 to focus on trade, value addition
By Selorm GBORBIDZI, Accra
Heads of institutions, captains of industry, and international community members are eagerly anticipating the second edition of the Africa Prosperity Dialogues (APD 2024), scheduled to take place in Ghana from Thursday, January 25, to Saturday, January 27, 2024.
President Akufo-Addo will host the event at Peduase Lodge, Aburi Hills, under the theme; “Delivering Prosperity in Africa: Produce, Add Value, Trade.”
Organized by the Africa Prosperity Network (APN), a partners and stakeholders’ cocktail just two months before the main event to update participants on preparations and the direction of the three-day dialogue.
In his opening remarks during the cocktail, Gabby Asare Otchere-Darko, Executive Chairman of APN, emphasized that APD2 would bring together heads of businesses and political leaders to collaborate on making the single market trade a reality.
He highlighted the commitment to tangible outcomes, with a compact planned for presentation to the African Union (AU).
The special guest for the occasion, Minister for Trade and Industry, K.T. Hammond, positioned the trade ministry as pivotal for driving trade, industry, and private sector development.
Aligning with APD 2024 objectives of producing, adding value, and trading, Mr. Hammond stressed the importance of a thriving production sector through value addition for economic prosperity.
Expressing his enthusiasm for the platform, Mr. Hammond stated, “I’m elated that this platform unites us in a shared vision to unlock Africa’s immense potential by fostering robust partnerships and collaborations.”
He acknowledged the efforts of the organizers, the Office of the President, AfCFTA, the Africa Prosperity Network, and all partners.
Mr. Alex Apau Dadey, Executive Chairman of KGL Group, expressed delight in partnering with the APD organizers.
He emphasized the need for “new thinking” to attract wealth into Africa for investment, with APD being the ideal platform to generate innovative ways to build substantial African conglomerates.
Mr. Apau Dadey advocated for African businesses to invest in the Western world, suggesting a model where returns from these investments are repatriated into Africa, mirroring the approach of Western countries investing in Africa for the development of their respective nations.
Njack Kane, the Acting CEO of APN, expressed readiness to deliver a world-class event. He highlighted the APD as a platform for business leaders to connect and make tangible deals resulting in solid business outcomes.
Kane appreciated the former Executive Secretary, Hannah Awuku, for her significant contribution to the success of APN and the maiden edition of APD, wishing her success in her future endeavors.
Secretary General of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), Wamkele Mene, in a message delivered on his behalf expressed the AfCFTA’s commitment to the partnership with the APD and its supporting partners.
This partnership, he stressed, is key to moving the idea of a unified continental market from boardroom conversation levels into tangible actions by the partners.
