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The Deputy Trade and Industry Minister nominee, Nana Ama Dokua Asiamah-Adjei has disclosed that, through the establishment of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), Africa’s quest for rapid industrialization will soon be achieved. 
 
Appearing before the Appointments Committee of Parliament on Friday, the venerable lawmaker said the establishment of AfCFTA will serve as the catalyst of speeding up Africa’s Industrialization Drive. 
 
“I see this as very feasible and extremely possible because initially, because of the various fragmented markets, it was always difficult for ECOWAS member States to ship to Eastern Europe and other parts of the world on the duty-free quota-free basis. With the provision AfCFTA gives, there are opportunities for each Member State to implement its policies and programmes in boosting the development of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). With this, it is very possible to get to that target of Africa speeding up on its industrialization drive”. 
 
The nominee noted that Ghana has started its export on the AfCFTA, with some companies in line going through the necessary training to be able to produce at the market requirements. 
 
“The AU refer to the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) as the backbone to Africa’s industrialization. It has about 80% of private-sector businesses and employs close to 70% of all employees in the private sector. Once we implement policies and programs to retool our MSMEs, Africa’s industrialization target will be achieved,” she said.