The AfCFTA Vision Challenge, part of the broader Vision Initiative to boost access to funding and technological capacity for startups, SMEs, innovators and entrepreneurs across the continent, has been launched alongside the Sankoree Institute of AfroChampions, and is open to startups working in any one of eight critical issue areas, including education, health, agriculture, infrastructure, good governance, manufacturing and environment. Selected startups will be assisted in navigating the complex process of engaging with big development finance institutions, with the end goal being to help these startups secure investment from a major pan-African development finance institution. Ratified by 54 African nations, the AfCFTA creates a continent-wide free trade area, and is a strategic framework for delivering on Africa’s goal for inclusive and sustainable development. The start of trading under the agreement is set for January 1, with an extraordinary Summit of Heads of State & Government to take place on December 5 to lay important foundations for this exceptionally crucial development.
SOURCE: DISRUPT AFRICA