Lome: The Ghana International Trade and Finance Conference (GITFiC) Technical Working Committee has appealed to the ECOWAS Bank of Investment and Development (EBID) for support to implement its Agenda 2031. It also pleaded with the Bank to nominate a permanent Focal Person to participate in the Committee's meetings.
According to Ghana News Agency, Agenda 2031 aims to develop a curriculum on the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) for students in African universities. This initiative seeks to educate students about trade integration and encourage intra-trading across the continent. The Committee has invited the President of EBID to participate in this year's GITFiC 9th annual meeting, scheduled from October 29 to November 2, 2025, in Accra, Ghana. The conference will focus on the theme 'Spurring GITFiC's Global Debt Initiative: Consolidating Member States' Gains for Synergistic Impacts,' addressing the 2nd Global Debt Initiative to explore solutions for global debt sustainability.
The meeting will also feature the inaugural AfCFTA Tertiary Students' Congress, aimed at empowering Africa's next generation to influence the future of trade and finance. The Congress will operate under the theme, 'Maiden GITFiC-AfCFTA Tertiary Students' Congress; Widening the Scope of Sensitisation and Implementation with Africa's Tertiary Educational Structures.'
Led by Mr. Selasi Koffi Ackom, the Chief Executive of GITFiC, the Technical Committee made the appeal during a visit to the Bank in Togo. Mr. Ackom emphasized the importance of stakeholder engagement at the 9th meeting, welcoming a delegation from EBID to contribute to the dialogue. The conference is expected to attract heads of state, ministers, central bank convenors, international development experts, global economists, business leaders, academia, and civil society.
Mr. Ackom highlighted that participants will engage in high-level discussions on debt, trade, and regional integration under the AfCFTA. He noted that the gathering promises thought-provoking discussions, high-level networking, and actionable outcomes that will shape Africa's financial and trade future. Official reports of Technical Committee sittings, documents on Agenda 2031, a report on the Revisiting of Debt Burden, and papers on the Global Debt Initiative were presented to the Bank.
Representatives from EBID, including Mr. MacDonald Saye Goanue and Dr. Joseph Kwadwo Asenso, met with the GITFiC Technical Committee on behalf of the President of EBID. Dr. Asenso expressed alignment with GITFiC's vision, emphasizing the need for action to advance Agenda 2031. He acknowledged the initiative's importance for the continent and assured support to seek management's assistance.
The Technical Committee also met with a delegation from the Togolese Ministry of Higher Education to discuss the development of the AfCFTA curriculum and the involvement of their students.
