NCDS HOSTS SEMINAR ON INTRA-AFRICAN FREE TRADE AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

The National College of Defence Studies (NCDS) hosted a seminar on “Intra-African Free Trade for Sustainable Development: Prospects and Challenges” on 21 May 2025 at the College Auditorium. The College Dean, Professor John Akokpari, chaired the event, and the convened experts included Mr Augustine Kidisil (AfCFTA Secretariat), Dr Christopher Mensah (TOBINCO Pharmaceuticals), Mr Benjamin Asiam (Ministry of Trade and Industry) and Nana Kraah Ansah-Adjei (Ministry of Foreign Affairs). Aligned with NCDS’s mandate to advance strategic policy dialogue, the discussions highlighted how intra-African trade under the AfCFTA could catalyse economic diversification, regional integration, and resilience, which are key pillars of sustainable development. Panellists underscored the need to address infrastructure deficits and bureaucratic hurdles while leveraging the potential to expand markets and enhance Africa’s global competitiveness.