The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) offers immense opportunities for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), women, and youth from North Rift Region to tap into broader markets, increase competitiveness, and drive sustainable economic growth. In line with this, the Baringo Business Summit 2024, scheduled for 14th-15th November at Kabarnet Municipality, will focus on empowering these key groups by providing a platform for networking, showcasing innovations, and capacity building. This summit will be instrumental in promoting trade, investment, and entrepreneurship in Baringo County while aligning with the broader AfCFTA framework to stimulate economic development.
Areas of Participation:
1. Exhibitions:
Target Participants: SMEs, youth-led, and women-owned businesses involved in agribusiness, technology, manufacturing, and creative industries.
Objective: Enable local businesses to gain visibility and explore cross-border trade opportunities under AfCFTA.
2. Capacity-Building Workshops:
Topics Covered: Business development, financial management, export readiness under AfCFTA, digital marketing, and entrepreneurial skills.
Training Program: Delivered by experienced facilitators through TMA, providing practical insights into expanding businesses under the AfCFTA framework.
Special Focus: Women's economic empowerment and tools for youth entrepreneurs to access international markets.
3. Networking Opportunities:
B2B Sessions: Facilitated networking and matchmaking opportunities with industry leaders, potential investors, and government stakeholders.
AfCFTA Forum: Special sessions or panels on navigating AfCFTA policies and expanding into new markets.
Objective: Establish meaningful partnerships that will support sustainable business growth and facilitate access to regional and continental markets.
TradeMark Africa (TMA), formerly TradeMark East Africa, is an Aid-for-Trade organisation that was established in 2010, with the aim of growing prosperity through increased trade. TMA operates on a not-for-profit basis and is funded by: Belgium, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Canada, Denmark, the European Union, Finland, France, Ireland, the Netherlands, Norway, the United Kingdom and the United States of America. TMA works closely with regional intergovernmental organisations, including the African Union (AU), the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat, the East Africa Community (EAC), the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the Common Market for East and Southern Africa (COMESA), the Southern Africa Customs Union (SACU), national Governments, the private sector and civil society organisations.