Africa Trade Development Forum
Unlocking Africa’s Trade Through Digital Innovation.

Africa Trade Development Forum

Our Programme

Unlocking Africa’s Trade Potential Through Digital Innovation.

Information For Delegates

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AFRICA TRADE DEVELOPMENT FORUM

With our shared goals for a prosperous Africa, we are re-establishing the Africa Trade Development Forum, a gathering designed to propel advancements in trade facilitation and shape a strategic voice for trade across the continent.

 This year, the Government of Rwanda and TradeMark Africa are proud to co-host the event in Kigali from December 2 to 3, 2024 under the theme: Unlocking Africa’s Trade Potential Through Digital Innovation.

Time: 8.00 a.m. – 5.40 p.m.

 

8.00 a.m. - 10.00 p.m.

Registration and badge collection

 

Facilitators

Planitswiss and TradeMark Africa

8.00 a.m. - 9.25 a.m.

Facilitator

TradeMark Africa

9.25 a.m. - 10.30 a.m.

Facilitator

TradeMark Africa

10.35 a.m. - 11.00 a.m.

Facilitator

Master of Ceremony

11.10 a.m. - 11.40 a.m.

Speech 1: Tomorrows trade in an evolving tech space

By: Prudence Sebahizi, Minister of Trade and Industry, Rwanda

 

Speech 2: Rapid advancements and the ambitious future of digital trade – A TMA experience

By: David Beer, CEO, TradeMark Africa

 

Speech 3:  Digital Dividends; Digital transformation agenda with the future in mind

By: H.E Hailemariam Desalegn Boshe, TMA Board Chair and Former Prime Minister of Ethiopia

11.45 a.m. - 12.00 p.m.

Rt. Hon. Édouard Ngirente

12.10 p.m. - 1.10 p.m.

ROOM 1

This discussion is set against the backdrop of the recently adopted AfCFTA Digital Trade Protocol and addresses some of the most critical questions confronting intraAfrican trade and by large global trade today.

Activity

A peep into the future: Introducing Trade Logistics Information Pipeline

Moderator: Jerry Adjorlolo

Rt. Hon. Édouard Ngirente, Prime Minister, Republic of Rwanda

H.E. Hailemariam Desalegn Boshe, Chair of the Board TMA and Former Prime Minister Ethiopia
 

H.E Wamkele Mene, Secretary General, AfCFTA.

Haytham El Maayergi, Executive Vice President, Global Trade Bank (Afreximbank)

SG Veronica Nduva, Secretary General, East Africa Community Secretariat.

1.15 p.m. - 1.25 p.m.

Facilitator

MASTER OF CEREMONY

1.25 p.m. - 2.25 p.m.

  • Lunch for All Delegates
  • Exclusive in Lunch Conversation with Secretary Generals and Ministers of Trade and Industry (By invitation) 

2.30 p.m. - 3.25 p.m.

The session is a candid discussion on trade in Africa, and then zooming in to digitalisation as an enabler of trade. The discussion will encourage cross-continental peer learning to enhance digital adoption strategies around the following themes:

  • Regulatory environment
  • Driving inclusion and sustainability
  • The future for policy
  • Increasing trust
  • Evolution of e-commerce
  • New funding models for trade development in Africa.

 

Moderator: Allen S. Asiimwe, Deputy CEO TMA

Panel:

1. Innocent Bagamba. Muhizi, Chief Executive Officer, Rwanda Information Society Authority (RISA)..

2. Moses Kemibaro. Founder and CEO Dot Savvy and thought leader in Tech in Africa.

3. Bernice Omiunu. Founder, Women in Block Chain.

4. Gabriel Negatu. Atlantic Council and TMA Board Director

5. Patrick Obath. Vice Chair, International Chamber of Commerce

3.30 p.m. - 4.15 p.m.

ROOM 1

Facilitator

Antoinette Tesha. Investment Director, Trade Catalyst Africa.

 

1. How to build a city when the kitty is low

Speaker: Mme Khomotso Letsasti. CEO, Lanseria City Project at the city of Joburg, South Africa.

 

2. But Africa is not South Africa

Speaker: Mme Umulinga Karangwa, (CFA), Co-MD Asset Management, Trade Development Bank.

4.20 p.m. - 5.25 p.m.

ROOM 1

Moderator: Dr. Tsotetsi Makong, Chief Technical Advisor, Office of the Secretary General, AFCFTA.

Presentation 1: Developments in implementation of Africa’s Digital Trade Protocol by: Dr. Dirk te Velde. Principal Research Fellow & Director of International Economic Development Group, ODI.

Presentation 2: Enhancing intra-African trade through digital technologies by: Lola Aworanti-Ekugo. Digital Executive & Director, SWIT – Odu’a Investment Company (Nigeria).

Summary

This session delves into the essentials of digital trade in Africa. Armed with findings from research, Government leaders and private sector will examine how digital connectivity serves as the backbone for cross-border trade and acts as a catalyst for boosting African exports. The group will shine a spotlight on policies that either support or obstruct this progress.

Panel:

1. Dr Joy Kategekwa. Director, AFDB Regional Integration and Coordination Office.

2. Julie Crowley. Canadian High Commissioner to Rwanda.

3. Hannes Berggren. National Board of Trade, Sweden.

4. Gilbert Ewehmeh. Chairman / Continental Coordinator Accelerate Africa (AA).

5. Prof. David Luke. Professor in Practice and Strategic Director, Firoz Lalji Institute for Africa.

4.20 p.m. - 5.25 p.m.

ROOM 2

Moderator: TBD

Presentation: Environmentally friendly best fleet management practices by: Prof. Alwin Hofman. North-West University (NWU)

Summary

This session explores insights from Southern Africa’s initiative to green its logistical transport systems. Prof. Alwin Hofman will highlight practical learning points and actionable strategies that other African nations can employ to improve their transport logistics practices for better sustainability.

Panel:

  1. Philippe Ndikumana. President Federation of East Africa Freight Forwarders.
  2. Captain William Ruto. MD, Kenya Ports Authority.
  3. Mrs Elizabeth Getahun. President, Ethiopian Logistics Central Association.
  4. Dr. Merian Sebunya. Chairperson BTS and Chair National Logistics platform – Private Sector Uganda

5.40 p.m.

Please mingle over a cup of Coffee

7.00 p.m.

8.00 a.m. - 9.15 a.m.

Facilitator

TradeMark Africa

9.20 a.m. - 10.25 a.m.

Host: Pascal Lamy. President, Paris Peace Forum and Former WTO Director General

ROOM 1

A chat with Secretary Generals, Development Partners and Private Sector from Africa’s Regional Economic Communities.

Panel:

  1. Amb. Erastus Mwencha. Former Deputy SG, Comesa.
  2. Annette Mutaawe. Deputy Secretary General, East Africa Community Secretariat.
  3. Belén Calvo Uyarra. European Union Ambassador to Rwanda.
  4. Mr. Jas Bedi. Chairman, Kenya Export Promotion &
    Branding Agency.
  5. Ozonnia Ojiello. UN Resident Coordinator and Chairperson of the Development Partners Forum

10.30 a.m. - 10.45 a.m.

Dr Simon Mevel will unpack the latest UNECA findings on
digital integration, under the African Regional Integration Index;
providing insights on priorities for AfCFTA digital regulations
harmonisation

By: Dr. Simon Mevel, UNECA

10.50 a.m. - 11.40 a.m.

Moderated By: Rosine Uwamariya, Country Director, TMA Rwanda

African experiences in Artificial Intelligence for Customs Agency enhancements in Africa.

Presented by: David Smason, Cargo Seer

ROOM 1

During a live demonstration, Cargo Seer will illustrate the potential of Artificial Intelligence in enhancing customs operations, streamlining processes, and boosting efficiency. This presentation will set the stage for a discussion between Revenue Authorities Commissioners and players from the private sector on the practical adoption of AI within Customs Agencies.

Discussion point
Increasing trust: The place of distributed ledger technology (DLT) and Artificial Intelligence with an emphasis on how AI can enhance transparency, efficiency, and trust in customs operations, which is important for increasing trust in digital technologies within governmental operations.

Panel:

  1. Mr. Robert Mutebi, Commissioner of Information Technology and Innovation, Uganda Revenue Authority (URA).
  2. Mr Mwumvaneza Felicien, Commissioner for Customs, Rwanda
    Revenue Authority.
  3. Mr. Robert Nkubito, Managing Director, Africa Global Logistics
    (AGL)
  4. Flavia Busingye, Director Customs, East Africa Community
    Secretariat.
  5. Albert Atambo, Chief Manager, Scanner Management,
    Business Transformation Office, KRA.

11.45 a.m. - 12.00 p.m.

THE HOT TAKE ON THE HOT SEAT RAPID FIRE

FIRE TENDER: Adetola Onayemi, Founder, Nore Base and Technical
Expert AfCFTA Digital Trade Protocol

Discussion Points

  1. What revolutionary products are top telecommunications companies offering to foster inclusion?
  2. What are the pioneering advances in digital finance as we envision a future where digital infrastructure across Africa is democratised – making access, availability, and usability universal?
  3. Where is the next wave of technological innovations in facilitating trade and is Africa part of it?

 

ON THE MIC: Hilda Moraa, Founder, Pezesha

12.00 p.m. - 1.00 p.m.

Host: Dr. Mukhisa Kituyi

Digital innovations towards no stop borders.

Presented by: Dr Bruce Byiers, ECPDM

ROOM 1

Summary

Dr. Mukhisa Kituyi will guide the discussion during this visionary session that will dissect the future trajectory of border management-Borders 2.0, venturing beyond the concept of One Stop Borders to No Stop borders. Policy leaders from regional communities and global private sector representatives will dissect the elements necessary
to forge a border-less Africa, covering everything from policy imperatives and financial frameworks to the impact of political  economies and the top technological innovations designed to dissolve physical, imagined, and bureaucratic barriers. This session is dedicated to envisioning a continent interconnected by ideas and opportunities, rather than constrained by borders.

Discussion Point

The Future for Policy: Integrating Digital Technologies into Traditional Trade Governance Frameworks.

Panel:

  1. Ole Thonke, Under Secretary for Development Policy, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Denmark 
  2. Annette Mutaawe, Deputy Secretary General, East Africa
    Community Secretariat.
  3. Prof Dominic McVey, Board, TMA.
  4. Ms Jacqueline Mkindi, CEO, Tanzania Horticulture Association.
  5. Mulualem Syoum, CEO, Ae Trade Group.
  6. Ahmed Farah, CEO, Kenya National Chamber of
    Commerce.

1.05 p.m. - 2.05 p.m.

LUNCH AND SPEED DATING SESSION FOR MINISTERS
AND CEOs (By Invitation)

DOUBLE PLAY

 

2.10 p.m. - 2.50 p.m.

Moderated by: Mr. Sanjay Rughani, CEO, Standard Chartered Bank, Uganda.

ROOM 1

Presentation

Advancing Firm Digitalisation in Sub-Saharan Africa to promote SME competitiveness and access to global markets

By: Florian Borino, International Trade Centre

Summary

This session will delve into the intricacies of digital transformation and explore what it takes for businesses to thrive in the digital arena. From the technical foundations to fostering an ecosystem where the workforce is proficient in digital subtleties and operates within a supportive regulatory framework. We believe that exposure to technologically advanced enterprises internationally not only inspires but also quickens the digital journeys of local businesses.

In this session, the International Trade Centre will provide evidence of those who have successfully navigated this path,  showing how engagements with globally advanced digital enterprises can offer both inspiration and practical momentum to local companies.

Discussion Point

Evolution of e-commerce: Digital Trade as a catalyst for expanding opportunity to markets.

Panel:

  1. Hon Lucia Lipumbu, Minister of Trade and Industry, Namibia.
  2. Tobias Alando, CEO, Kenya Association of Manufacturers.
  3. Mapula Bodibe, CEO, MTN Rwanda.
  4. Mr Stephen Miezan, President, Ghana National Chamber of
    Commerce.
  5. Paul L. Kwengwere, CEO, Malawi Investment & Trade Centre..

2.10 p.m. - 2.50 p.m.

Moderator: Daniel Wilcox, British High Commission, Kenya

ROOM 2

Presentation

Trade Logistics  Information Pipeline-Co-Developing a digital supply chain management suite for international trade trust  systems.

Presenter: Jens Lund Nielsen, IOTA Foundation.

Summary

Imagine a world where trade flows seamlessly, free from the time consuming paper-based processes. This is the vision promised by Trade Logistics  Information Pipeline (TLIP) developed by TMA, IOTA and KRA. However, for this vision to  materialise, trust is paramount. As we look at scaling up, how do  countries and firms build the necessary trust to take this digital step forward?
Armed with insights from the implementation of TLIP, discussants will dissect the various layers of trust-from policy frameworks and technical assurances to the political will essential for successful digital transitions.
These elements must  converge to foster an  environment conducive to adopting paperless trade systems. Indeed, a seamless paperless trade future  appears achievable as soon as 2025.

Discussion Point

Increasing trust: The place of distributed ledger technology (DLT) and Artificial Intelligence in facilitating trade in Africa.

Panel:

  1. Mr Frank Matsaert, Senior Adviser and Global Lead, Trade
    and Infrastructure, Tony Blair Institute.
  2. Kevin Shakespeare, Advisory Services Director, UK’s  Institute of Export and International Trade.
  3. Ms Elizabeth Kimani, General Manager, Sian Flowers.
  4. Erick Sirali, Director, Digital Trade, TMA

2.55 p.m. - 3.00 p.m.

Know something unique about someone.

3.05 p.m. - 3.15 p.m.

By: Patrick Bucyana, A Rwandan Digital Entrepreneur

3.20 p.m. - 4.30 p.m.

Presentation of matters arising from the conference and proposed actions to take forward.

By: David Beer, CEO, TMA
(and introduce Ministerial round table)

ROOM 1

MINISTERIAL ROUND TABLE AND PRONOUNCEMENT

CHAIR: H.E Hailemariam Desalegn Boshe, TMA Board Chair and former Prime Minister of Ethiopia.

Summary

The ministerial round table brings together ministers and policy makers from across the globe, leaders of multi-laterals and DFI’s who will unpack the outcomes of the conference. Each contributor will bring their perspective to the forefront, challenging assumptions, and commitment to move the needle in African trade.
This is where practice, policy and innovations will intersect and give us a  sneak peek into the future.
The intended outcome is an action document that TMA and partners will use to engage widely beyond the conference as we drive the African Digital Trade agenda forward.

All present regional trade ministers:

  1. H.E. Hailemariam Desalegn Boshe, Board Chair, TradeMark Africa and Former Prime Minister, Ethiopia
  2. Hon Édouard Ngirente, Prime Minister of Rwanda
  3. Hon Prudence Sebahizi, Minister of Trade and Industry, Rwanda.
  4. Hon Lucia Lipumbu, Minister of Trade and  Industry, Namibia.
  5. Hon Dr Kassahun Goffe, Minister of Trade and Regional Integration, Ethiopia.
  6. Hon. Sosten Alfred, Minister of Trade and Industry, Malawi.
  7. H.E. Mohamed Warsama Dirieh, Minister of Trade, Djibouti.
  8. Hon. Mr. Dhenge Boru Kosi, State Minister Transport & Logistics, Ethiopia
  9. Hon. Gen. Wilson Mbasu Mbadi, Minister of State for Trade, Uganda

4.30 p.m. - 4.35 p.m.

Let’s Make Memories!

4.35 p.m. - 5.25 p.m.

Africa Trade Development Forum

2-3 December 2024 | Kigali,Rwanda.

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