In an effort to enhance the capability of Africa’s sub-sovereign governments in fostering intra-African trade and investment, the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) is set to host the fourth edition of the African Sub-Sovereign Governments Network (AfSNET) Conference.
The event, organized in collaboration with the County Government of Kisumu and the United Cities and Local Governments of Africa (UCLG Africa), will take place from November 25 to 27 in Kisumu City, Kenya.
Under the theme “Leveraging the AfCFTA for Sustainable Trade and Investment: A Development Pathway for African Sub-Sovereigns,” the conference will feature an exhibition dedicated to promoting local trade and will kick off with an investment promotion training session on the first day.
A primary goal of the conference is to strengthen collaboration among African sub-sovereigns in pursuing development and investment initiatives that align with the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Mrs. Kanayo Awani, Executive Vice President of Intra-African Trade and Export Development at Afreximbank, emphasized the importance of the event, stating, “Afreximbank’s partnership with the Forum of Regions of Africa ensures that our trade and investment products are accessible at both local and sub-sovereign levels.” She announced a substantial US$2 billion financing initiative aimed at addressing the pressing financial challenges confronted by sub-sovereigns and local businesses.
Awani highlighted the successes from the previous AfSNET Conference held during the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF2023) in Cairo, which provided sub-sovereign governments an opportunity to present investment projects to potential financiers.
Kisumu County Governor H.E. Prof. Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o extended a warm invitation to delegates, stressing that Africa’s economic revival is linked to empowering local governments and enhancing decentralization. He noted, “Despite advancements in recent decades, many local governments still lack the administrative and fiscal capacity necessary for local economic development. AfSNET serves as a crucial tool to bridge this gap.”
Mr. Jean Pierre Elong Mbassi, Secretary General of UCLG Africa, reinforced the organization’s commitment to aiding sub-national governments in attracting investments, thereby improving local living conditions and economic activities.
The upcoming AfSNET conference will provide the Kisumu County Government and the Lake Victoria economic region with a platform to showcase their development strategies to a diverse audience of potential investors. Previous AfSNET conferences have seen a significant increase in participation, with the inaugural event in Durban attracting over 80 delegates and the most recent in Cairo garnering more than 250 participants, resulting in deals exceeding $1.5 billion.
Established by Afreximbank, AfSNET serves as a dynamic platform to encourage intra-African trade, investment, and cultural exchanges, furthering Africa’s development in alignment with the AfCFTA goals.