The Consul General of France, Laurent Favier, has reaffirmed France’s commitment to the full operationalisation of the African Continental Free Trade Area, describing the continental trade pact as a critical driver of Africa’s economic sovereignty, industrialisation and sustainable growth.
Favier stated this on Tuesday in Lagos while delivering the opening remarks at the sixth edition of the Chief Financial Officers (CFO) Luncheon organised by the Franco-Nigerian Chamber of Commerce & Industry (FNCCI) in collaboration with Forvis Mazars in Nigeria.
The luncheon, themed “Trade Policy, AfCFTA and the C-Suite Growth Agenda,” was held at the Lycée Français Louis Pasteur, Victoria Island, and brought together business executives, chief financial officers, policymakers and industry experts to examine the evolving dynamics of cross-border trade and regional economic integration.
According to the French envoy, the successful implementation of the AfCFTA will create new opportunities for businesses, deepen intra-African trade and strengthen the continent’s industrial capacity.
Delivering the keynote address, John Ugochukwu Uwajumogu, Special Adviser to the President on Industry, Trade and Investment, outlined the Federal Government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen policy and regulatory frameworks aimed at enabling businesses to maximise the opportunities presented by the AfCFTA.
The event also featured a panel discussion with leading business and finance experts, including Ugodre Obi-Chukwu, Olawale Rotimi Opeyemi, Adams Osamudiame J. and Peter Nwofia, who shared practical insights on trade policy, taxation, investment and strategies for navigating cross-border commerce.
Speaking during the event, Director-General of the Franco-Nigerian Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Mr. Moses Umoru, commended participants for attending despite the heavy rainfall in Lagos.
He expressed appreciation to the keynote speaker for providing valuable policy insights into the government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for businesses under the AfCFTA framework.
Umoru also lauded the panelists for offering practical perspectives that simplified the complexities of regional trade and equipped business leaders with actionable strategies for sustainable growth.
“Our distinguished keynote speaker provided invaluable, high-level policy insights on how the executive arm is actively driving regulatory frameworks to support businesses under the AfCFTA framework, while our panel of industry leaders and experts demystified the complexities of cross-border trade and presented actionable blueprints for sustainable regional growth,” he said.
The annual CFO Luncheon serves as a strategic platform for fostering dialogue between government officials and private sector leaders on policies and initiatives aimed at enhancing trade, investment and economic cooperation across Africa.