AfCFTA can bridge infrastructural deficit—–B2B Convener
African Continental Free Trade areas Agreement (AfCFTA) is capable of reducing the nation’s huge infrastructural deficit and other challenges says, Dr. Mustapha Popoola, Convener of a Business Hub in Abuja.
Popoola made this known at the 56th monthly Session of Greener Human Development and Business Academy, a Business to Business (B2B) Hub, in Abuja.
The session had the theme ‘Competition analytics: Tools and Solutions’ had on ground Legborsi Nwiabu, Convener ‘ Nigerian Forum on AfCFTA ‘ to sensitise participants on the agreement.
It may be recalled that President Muhammadu Buhari signed AfCFTA Agreement on behalf of Nigeria at the 12th African Union Summit in Niamey, Republic of Niger.
According to B2B Convener, current infrastructural deficit in the country may be worrisome but commencement of AfCFTA policy will highly reduce its shortfall.
“Infrastructural Deficit is a threat but AfCFTA will compel Nigerian system to put some infrastructures in place in order to maximize its benefits and compete favourably.
“The demand for infrastructure driven products will also help investors to consider infrastructure as major business which will be better for the nation and those who want to do business within the country,” he said.
The Convener, Popoola also a researcher at Mississippi State University, U.S.A, urged Nigerian entrepreneurs to look at the continental policy with positivity ,calling for increased sensitisation of Micro ,Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) on AfCFTA.
Sensitise MSMEs on AfCFTA so that benefits can trickle down to them and to know how to position themselves for it.
“For Nigeria’s MSMEs not to be on the defensive because other Africans are coming to compete in their fields, engagements and sensitisation on AfCFTA should not be limited to national level or big time entrepreneurs alone.
“Greeners B2B thought it wise to engage its participants who constitute micro, small medium and big business categories on the great benefits and likely challenges that come with Such agreements as AfCFTA,” he said.
Similarly, Nwiabu told participants at the session that commencement of AfCFTA Africa is open for any innovative African to excel.
“-Don’t complaint of products dumping by other Africans, go and dump yours (products) in other countries where they will be much appreciated.
“Nigeria is not the limit of your business, research where your goods and services are needed, then do your business, ” he said.
Nwiabu however warned against sharp practices, urging each entrepreneur to consider self as ambassador of their nation.
“-Let our integrity service be high in our business relationship within and outside our country because more nations will be serviced, we must ensure we give good account of ourselves.
“Collaborate with one another to improve on your skills so that your business can compete effectively in a global business environment,” he said.
AfCFTA Agreement will become effective by July, 2020 within about 54 African countries, including Nigeria and South Africa that have endorsed it, so that economic growth can further be achieved in the continent.
