event
Center for Trade and Economic Integration
Wednesday
20
November
guided trade initiative card

The Guided Trade Initiative: a first in-country stock-taking under the AfCFTA

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The FAB, Petal 2, Floor 4.

The Guided Trade Initiative (GTI), launched under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), is a crucial step towards unlocking the continent's vast economic potential. As an interim measure, the GTI facilitates meaningful trade among African nations that have met the necessary requirements, allowing them to test their readiness for broader participation in the AfCFTA. By examining real-world experiences of participating countries and companies, the initiative provides invaluable insights to improve the operational and policy frameworks of the AfCFTA. With its promise to boost intra-African trade, create jobs, and spur industrial development, the AfCFTA is poised to be a transformative driver of sustainable growth and development across the continent.

Please join us for an insightful discussion with Dr. Melaku Desta (UNECA) and Ms. Mahlet Girma Bekele (African Trade Policy Centre, UNECA).

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Dr. Melaku Desta (UNECA)
Dr Melaku Geboye Desta is Coordinator of the African Trade Policy Centre (ATPC), Regional
Integration and Trade Division (RITD), UNECA, Addis Ababa. Prior to that, Melaku was
Principal Regional Advisor (ECA), Senior Technical Advisor to the Chief Executive Officer
(APRM Secretariat), Professor of International Economic Law (Leicester De Montfort School
of Law, UK), and lecturer/senior lecturer and reader in international economic law at the
University of Dundee, Scotland. A native of Ethiopia, Melaku Desta is a lawyer by training
and holds a PhD degree specializing in international economic law. Melaku has published
widely in the fields of African and international economic law and policy in general and
agriculture and natural resources in particular. Melaku has consulted for a number of
international organizations and national governments and served as arbitrator in
international disputes.

 

Ms. Mahlet Girma Bekele (African Trade Policy Centre, UNECA)
Mahlet Girma Bekele is a trade expert at the African Trade Policy Centre, within the United
Nations Economic Commission for Africa in Addis Ababa. She previously served as a Project
Manager for the EU-TAF at the AfCFTA Secretariat in Accra and as a transport specialist at
WFP in Ethiopia. Her expertise cavers regional integration, trade, transport, supply chains,
and program management. Mahlet holds two master's degrees, one in economics with a
specialization in maritime affairs from the University of Perpignan and another in social
development from the University of Montpellier III in France.

 

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