Mr. Dotun Ajayi, Executive Director – West Africa, ABR and Professor David Luke, Strategic Director, Firoz Lalji Institute for Africa, LSE
On Monday, March 4 2024, the African Business Roundtable (ABR) team led by Mr. Dotun Ajayi, Executive Director, West Africa, hosted a team of delegates from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) led by Professor David Luke, on a visit to Abuja, Nigeria to a very engaging dialogue on the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) and other trade related matters.
The meeting which held at the Offices of ABR in ECOWAS Commission Annex, Niger House, Abuja, commenced with both sides expressing gratitude for the opportunity to engage and highlighted the significance of topics such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AFCFTA) and the Nigerian economy; in addition to provision of a comprehensive overview of ABR’s mission, activities, and regional presence.
With the unanimous election of Mr. Samuel Dossou – Aworet as President and Chairman of the ABR Board of Directors in September 2017, and his formal assumption of leadership in January 2018, the ABR has been refocused to delivering on its mandate for the sustainable development of the private sector. His mission to build the capacity of indigenous entrepreneurs to undertake mega developmental projects while leveraging on the resources of international partners, have underscored the activities and programmes of the ABR. As Vice – Chair of the Afreximbank driven Pan Africa Private Sector Trade and Investment Committee (PAFTRAC), Mr. Dossou and the ABR have contributed immensely towards mobilizing and engaging the private sector on issues relating to regional integration, trade facilitation and investments promotion.
Thereafter, discussion ensued regarding advocacy efforts surrounding the AFCFTA, with both parties acknowledging the importance of addressing trade barriers and facilitating cross-border commerce. Professor David emphasized the need for ABR’s involvement in advocating for issues such as non-tariff barriers and access to capital. Mr. Dotun welcomed collaboration opportunities with LSE to further trade-related advocacy initiatives.
The dialogue also delved into bureaucratic challenges affecting the movement of goods across borders, with a shared commitment to engaging with governments and the private sector to enhance productivity and inclusivity within Nigeria’s informal economy.
Professor David underscored the importance of supporting Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) by addressing challenges such as access to capital and high-interest rates. He also highlighted the significance of learning from global practices to enhance agricultural productivity in Africa.
The LSE team consisted of Professor David Luke, Strategic Director, Firoz Lalji Institute for Africa; Professor E.O Ogunkola, Professor of Economics- University of Ibadan; Juliana Anosike, Project Manager – Friedrich Ebert Stiftung; Fadil Elobeid, Africa Engagement Programme Manager – Firoz Lalji Institute for Africa, and Lesley Orero, Africa Engagement Programme Manager – Firoz Lalji Institute for Africa.
The ABR team consisted of Mr. Dotun Ajayi, Executive Director – West Africa, Samson Chime, Programme Manager and Lizzy Ashikwe, Programme Manager
In conclusion, the exchange highlighted areas of mutual interest and potential collaboration between ABR and LSE, particularly in advocating for trade issues, supporting SMEs, and promoting the integration of the AFCFTA. Both parties expressed a commitment to further engagement and partnership to drive sustainable economic growth in Africa.