Twitter abuzz as African leaders clinch key trade deal

The African Continental Free Trade Area (CFTA) agreement, signed Wednesday in Kigali by 44 countries, has prompted African leaders, citizens and observers around the world to weigh in, many hailing the development. Here are some of the Twitter reactions. Issoufou Mahamadou, President of Niger I would like to thank and congratulate President Paul Kagame, Chairperson of the African Union, for his leadership and for the successful holding of this summit. Congratulations to all the member states of the African Union that made this historic day possible. *************************************************** Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, President of Zimbabwe Delighted to sign #AfCFTA, a free trade area for Africa. This deal will facilitate trade across the continent, providing opportunities for Zimbabwean businesses and youth. We are ready to play a full role in regional and international affairs for the benefit of all our people. Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, President of Zimbabwe. *************************************************** Uhuru Kenyatta, President of Kenya …I firmly believe in our shared destiny and in the fulfillment of the African dream. Called for the expeditious implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area #AfCFTA treaty that we signed today. The treaty offers Africa a competitive edge by creating a united economic bloc that will boost trade across the continent and help create an African value chain. *************************************************** Ebba Kalondo, Spokesperson in the Chairperson’s Office, African Union Commission. Hauntingly beautiful songs being sung by the choir of Nyundi School of Art – Rwanda’s first music school – as more than 40 African leaders take turns to sign the historic #AfCFTA2018 Agreement to facilitate intra-African trade and free movement of Africans. A truly historic day ! *************************************************** Arancha Gonzalez, Executive Director, International Trade Centre Congratulations to African Union Trade and Industry Commissioner Albert Muchanga for the hard work of his team and himself to get the Continental Africa Free Trade Agreement to the finish line. ITC will keep supporting you to build One Market. *************************************************** Ranieri Sabatucci, EU Ambassador to the African Union CFTA is much more than allowing unimpeded flow of goods, capital and services. It’s allowing the energy, the creativity of people to run free for the benefit of a wider community. It’s about building robust and safe bridges not weak and ugly walls. Congratulations. *************************************************** Maggie Kigozi, Investment Promotions Expert from Uganda. Creating One African Market. We are in Kigali for signing of the African Continental Free Trade Area. History in the Making. *************************************************** Neven Mimica, EU Commissioner for International Cooperation and Development An historic milestone! Looking forward for its implementation. *************************************************** Dr Donald Kaberuka, 7th President, African Development Bank Group (2005-2015) History in the making. What a day. A turning point in the @AU_Reforms led by Paul Kagame . Onwards and upwards to ratification, deal with Non-Tariff restrictions and all aspects of AU Reforms. *************************************************** Valentine Rugwabiza, Permanent Representative of Rwanda to theUnited Nations 21st March 2018, a date to mark in the history of Africa and be taught to future generations. *************************************************** Adan Mohamed, Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Industry, Trade and Cooperatives, Kenya Why is #AfCFTA signing a big deal? 1. It creates a single continental market for goods and services. 2. Free movement of business persons & investments 3. Eliminating tariffs & non-tariff barriers to intra-African trade 4. Enhanced competitiveness at the industry & enterprise level *************************************************** Lonzen Rugira, Rwandan researcher Congratulations Africa! Most of the collaborators against the AfCFTA will be Africans. They will be passionate in the cause against their motherland & prove to be the biggest hurdle, for beware the enemy within. Treat them humanely. But stay the course, for history is on your side.

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Twitter abuzz as African leaders clinch key trade deal