AfSAE, representing Africa’s Civil Society Leaders, Endorse the African Union’s Plans for Continental Free Trade Area

The Board of the African Society of Association Executives met and discussed the two AU decisions and their impact on African economic and social development.

“These are the best ever agreements that AU has realized over years. Africa is home to over 1.2 billion people, and has the youngest population in the whole world. To speed up Africa’s transformation and development, the two decisions and their swift implementation are crucial,” said Jeffers Miruka, president of the African Society of Association Executives, “this is a significant step to the continent and our people.”

Why should it be cheaper for goods and people to leave the continent to move from one country to another on the continent? This will enable Africa to harness the time, energy and value of intra-country trade, business and tourism.

“These developments along with the recent reduction in VISA requirements by key East African countries is already starting to have an impact. AfSAE is taken this opportunity to call all engaged civil society across Africa to join hand with the New Head of State of Africa Union, His excellency Paul Kagame, so that out of the 54 African countries that signed the trade agreement all necessary mechanism should be sped up to allow the African continent to boost the trade which is vital for our development”, said Luc Bodea, Chief Executive of the Society for AIDS in Africa, and AfSAE Secretary.

The African Society of Association Executives (AfSAE) is a not for profit organization formed in 2016 to create a continental network of association professionals and to provide a platform for education and professional development. This will, in turn, enhance capacity and effectiveness of African not for profit organizations and civil society. For More Information go to www.afsae.org