The pandemic poses a risk to the implementation and vision of the AfCFTA. Undeniably so, in the recent past, the private sector has witnessed a shift in production in the various value chains that the local businesses are involved in. Additionally, the trade sector would certainly register increased number of directly and indirectly employed people through exports and imports. There is a need for structured consultations with the private sector, at respective country levels, to improve coordination with government agencies to increase its readiness. Mr Ngatia is the president of the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) and chairman of the Great Lakes Region (GLR) Private Sector Forum (PSF).

Source: Daily Nation July 15, 2020 21:00 UTC