As part of the Agenda 2031 driven to deepen trade integration and policy coherence across Africa, the Ghana International Trade and Finance Conference (GITFiC) today announces the appointment of Mrs. Konan Clemence as the first-ever Francophone Regional Bureau Chief. This strategic move underscores GITFiC’s commitment to bridging language and cultural divides, ensuring that Francophone member states enjoy full access to the benefits of continental trade reforms.
A Mandate Aligned with Agenda 2031
Mrs. Konan’s appointment follows a mandate agreement signed on April 21, 2025, by Selasi Koffi Ackom, Chief Executive of GITFiC, on behalf of the 9th Steering Committee. This agreement becomes effective April 22, 2025.
GITFiC expects Mrs. Konan’s leadership to accelerate the implementation of trade finance strategies in Francophone Africa, driving inclusive growth and integration ahead of the 2031 target. This position is essential for bridging language, cultural, and effective policy implementation gaps, thereby ensuring the comprehensive realization of GITFiC’s vision for Agenda 2031 across all linguistic regions of the continent and beyond.
Tenure of Office
Under the terms of the Appointment of Mandate Agreement, Mrs. Konan will serve an initial two year term, subject to renewal based on performance reviews. Her responsibilities fall under a structured Six Point Mandate designed to fast track AfCFTA protocols and strengthen regional partnerships.
Bringing Deep Expertise to the Role
An Ivorian magistrate and seasoned professional mediator, Mrs. Konan brings to GITFiC a wealth of legal and diplomatic experience. As a sitting member of the AfCFTA Appellate Body, she has adjudicated key disputes shaping the continent’s free trade landscape. Previously, as Director of International and Regional Cooperation at Côte d’Ivoire’s Ministry of Trade and Industry, she led the nation’s AfCFTA negotiations, serving as Chief Trade Negotiator and architecting major bilateral and multilateral agreements
Collaboration and Secretariat
Mrs. Konan will lead a team of skilled professionals at GITFiC’s newly established Francophone Bureau Secretariat in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, working closely with the Accra headquarters to coordinate programs and stakeholder engagement.
By: Henry Awuku Agyefele