Roundtable 2 — Powering Africa's Trade Transformation: Think Tank Insights on AfCFTA Implementation

This roundtable showcases research by African think tanks on AfCFTA implementation and explores how evidence can support regional integration and structural transformation. It situates AfCFTA within the broader integration architecture, highlighting how energy systems underpin trade, industrialization, labour mobility (APFMP) and connectivity (SAATM). Hosted by ACBF's Capacity Development for Africa's Structural Transformation (CADAST) Project.

Moderated by Dr. Odilia B. Gnassingbe-Essonam (ACBF), with presenters Hon. Dr Gloria Somolekae (BIDPA), Mrs. Eugenia Kayitesi (IPAR-Rwanda), Dr. Emmanuel Akwetey (IDEG Ghana), Mr. Zali B. Chikuba (ZIPAR) and Prof. Alban A. E. Ahoure (CAPEC, Côte d'Ivoire).

Objective: present think tank evidence on AfCFTA implementation and examine how research can inform strategies that strengthen trade transformation — reliable energy, productive capacity, infrastructure, and competitiveness. Expected outcomes: greater visibility of think tank research linking energy, trade and transformation; a recommended 'systems integration' approach aligning energy, transport and trade into AfCFTA strategies; stronger think tank–policymaker–private sector collaboration.