Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) has dedicated the second edition of its Annual Maritime Lecture (MAMAL) to tackling the trade barriers under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), scheduled to take place on November 21, 2024, in Lagos.
This year’s lecture, themed “AfCFTA: Dismantling Trade Barriers and Navigating Regional Trade”, will address the critical role of the regional treaty in boosting intra-African trade, overcoming barriers, and unlocking new economic opportunities across the African continent.
The MARAN Annual Maritime Lecture (MAMAL) is a flagship event designed to foster dialogue, share insights, and provide a platform for key stakeholders in Nigeria’s maritime and trade sectors.
It is anticipated that the conference will gather industry experts, government officials, trade professionals, and maritime stakeholders to explore the evolving challenges and opportunities within the context of AfCFTA’s implementation.
Oluyinka Onigbinde, the Chairman of this year’s MAMAL, highlighted the importance of the topic, stating that: “As Africa moves towards the full implementation of the AfCFTA, there is an urgent need to address the persistent trade barriers hindering the region’s economic integration. This lecture aims to provide deep insights into these barriers and explore actionable solutions that will not only strengthen intra-African trade but also position Nigeria as a major hub in this evolving landscape.”
The lecture promises to feature a line-up of renowned speakers from the maritime, trade, and economic sectors, who will offer their expertise on topics such as the impact of AfCFTA on regional trade routes, port infrastructure development, regulatory harmonization, and the future of shipping in Africa.
MARAN invites all maritime and trade stakeholders, professionals, and the public to participate in this pivotal discussion.
More details on the speakers, venue, and registration will be announced in the coming weeks.