The opening day of the 9th Ghana International Trade & Finance Conference (GiTFiC 2025) will mark a historic milestone with the launch of the Maiden GiTFiC–AfCFTA Tertiary Students’ Congress, a first-of-its-kind platform designed to connect Africa’s youth and academia directly to the continent’s trade integration agenda.
Jointly organized by the Ghana International Trade & Finance Conference (GiTFiC) and the National Technical Working Committee (NTWC) under the GiTFiC Agenda 2031, the Congress aims to amplify the role of young scholars and tertiary students in shaping Africa’s economic transformation through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The initiative underscores GiTFiC’s growing commitment to ensuring that Africa’s trade policies are not only inclusive but also driven by homegrown ideas and youthful innovation.
The Congress, chaired by Professor Rosina Kyeremanteng, will serve as a policy incubation hub, drawing together students, academics, and policy practitioners to deliberate on key issues such as industrial transformation under AfCFTA, youth empowerment, and public–private collaboration. Professor Kyeremanteng is expected to guide the day’s proceedings, from delivering opening remarks to moderating plenary discussions and endorsing the Congress communiqué that will capture major resolutions.
According to the organizers, one of the key outcomes of the Congress will be the adoption of the AfCFTA Student Network Framework, which aims to establish national and regional platforms for sustained engagement among students across the continent. The event will also produce a Congress Communiqué summarizing student perspectives, innovative policy ideas, and actionable recommendations to support AfCFTA implementation.
Beyond the formal sessions, the Congress is expected to build stronger bridges between academia, policymakers, and the private sector—helping universities and research institutions become integral players in Africa’s trade transformation journey. Student delegates will leave equipped with practical knowledge and leadership skills to champion the AfCFTA discourse within their respective institutions and countries.
The GiTFiC–AfCFTA Tertiary Students’ Congress is proudly supported by the Africa Procurement Group, a key partner promoting total procurement solutions in line with the AfCFTA’s vision for continental economic integration.
As GiTFiC 2025 unfolds, this youth-focused initiative sets the tone for an inclusive dialogue that not only envisions a unified African market but also ensures that the next generation is fully prepared to lead it.