The African Union Commission in collaboration with the East African Community Secretariat is organising the 14^th African Union High Level Private Sector Forum at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi, Kenya from 10^th – 12^th July, 2023.

The three-day forum themed “Public - Private Sector Engagement for Inclusive Growth and Sustainable Development while Deepening Regional and Continental Trade and Investment towards Implementation of AfCFTA” is expected to draw more than 500 participants from Africa and beyond.

The opening session on Monday, 10^th July, 2023 will be graced by the following:-

• Hon. Rebecca Miano, Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of East Africa Community, ASSLS
• H.E Amb. Albert Muchanga, Commissioner of the Economic Development, Trade, Tourism, Industry, and Minerals (ETTIM) of the African Union Commission (AUC);
• H.E Wamkele Mene, Secretary General of the AfCFTA Secretariat;
• H.E Hon. Dr. Peter Mathuki, Secretary General of the East African Community (EAC)
• Dr. Amany Asfour, President of Africa Business Council (AfBC)
• Ms. Angelina Ngalula, Chairperson, East Africa Business Council (EABC)
• Ms. Carole Kariuki, EBS, MBS, CEO, Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA
• Mr. Anthony Mwangi, CEO, the Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM)
• H.E. Dr. William Ruto, The President of the Republic of Kenya, and other Heads of State from the African Union Member States are anticipated to attend the Presidential Session on 12^th July, 2023.

Register here to attend virtually https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJYscemsqDoiGdQiC5wG7CQkEkG8C3WkY1hb

The overall objective of the 14^th High Level Forum is to strengthen the linkages between regional and continental markets for increased trade and investment.

The specific objectives are:

1. a) Leveraging on the AfCFTA to promote regional value chains and increasing productive capacity;
2. b) Enhancing the role of women and youth in regional and continental development;
3. c) Leveraging trends in digital transformation to enhance trade and investment;
4. d) To raise awareness of the significance of creative economy in promoting inclusive and sustainable development and deepening regional trade at all levels;
5. e) To discuss measures in addressing diverse regulatory frameworks that impact regional trade and investments;
6. f) To promote action towards environmental sustainability and address the adverse effects of climate change; and
7. g) To explore strategies to address barriers on access to finance.

Expected outcomes

(a) Recommendations and proposed road map towards strengthening linkages between regional and continental markets for Increased Trade and Investment; and

(b) Private sector Declaration on business-friendly activities that are geared towards environmental sustainability and mitigation of addressing climate change.

Register here to attend virtually https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJYscemsqDoiGdQiC5wG7CQkEkG8C3WkY1hb

The participants shall be drawn from High level Public Policy Makers, Private Sector actors, Financial Institutions and representatives of Women and Youth led/owned creative start-ups, Academia and Research Institutions. About 100 exhibitors from Africa and beyond are expected to exhibit their merchandise at the KICC, the venue of the forum.

For more information, please contact:

Mr. Charles Chiza | Acting Director of Industry, Minerals, Entrepreneurship and Tourism | African Union Commission | CHIUMYAC@africa-union.org

Mr. Islam Swaleh | Acting Head of Entrepreneurship and Investment | African Union Commission | E-Mail: swalehi@africa-union.org

Ms. Flavia Busingye, Acting Director of Customs and Trade, East African Community E-Mail: fbusingye@eachq.org

Janet Faith Adhiambo Ochieng |Information and Communication Directorate | African Union Commission | E-mail: ochiengj@africa-union.org

Simon Peter Owaka | Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Department EAC Secretariat | Senior Public Relations Officer | E-mail: Email: sowaka@eachq.org Tel: +255 768 552087