Senior Economist Kibur Gena is the Executive Director of the Pan African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PACCI) and he oversee Africa’s largest business organization representing the interests of more than 20 million businesses of all sizes.
Regarding his responsibility in PACCI, he facilitates business opportunities through entrepreneurship tasks for members of Pan African Chamber of Commerce and Industry. He makes sure that the Pan African Chamber of Commerce remains a voice for business.
Herald: What activities does PACCI execute for the development of Africa continent?
Kibur: The Pan African Chamber of Commerce and Industry is in the HQ of the Africa Union Commission, found in Addis Ababa. We try to keep African businesses safe and prosperous.
Everything the chamber does is geared to promote pro-business philosophies. We do this by supporting, advocating and promoting policies that support the well-being of African businesses, by improving intra-Africa trade and investment through projects and policies, contributing to the realization of the Continental Free Trade Agreement that will kick start in June 2020, and by ensuring that fair trade creates sustainable employment.
Herald: Does the chamber have a program of interregional integration of Africa countries?
Kibur: One of the main core activities and programs of Pan African Chamber of Commerce and Industry is contributing to the realization of the Africa Free Trade Agreement, which is an agreement among all African nations to create one of the largest free trade areas. We push for good policies that grow the economy and create jobs. The Africa Free Trade Agreement, if properly implemented to bring prosperity for all, are the biggest push towards creating a regional and economically integrated Africa.
Herald: Is there any mobilization task of people in the pan-Africanism movement through means of economic empowerment?
Kibur: I believe Pan African Chamber of Commerce and Industry drives pan- Africanism movement through means of economic empowerment by promoting public policies that encourage the free movement of not just goods and products, but also individuals.
Free movement of persons has an integral part to play in economic empowerment. It will lead in easier access to economic activities and opportunities and in value sharing that will bring the continent to the next level. As a matter of fact I am excited to announce our theme for 2020-2021 “For prosperity – for free Movement of people in Africa,”
Herald: What do you think of poverty alleviation solutions as well as prosperity issues for the Africa continent?
Kibur: The opportunity is there for countries to adopt policies that are good for jobs, the environment and the economy. I am particularly excited that many countries in Africa are going in the direction of more diversity and that is a direct reflection of the businesses we represent.
The chambers across the continent are also trying to attract more millennial, more tech companies, and more leaders from growing sectors that aren’t represented yet on our board. It’s a very exciting future. All business sectors have their own trade organizations, but the Chamber has all sectors under one roof. That gives it a global perspective to help people at the AU Commission help Africa grow and prosper.
Herald: Could you tell us about the role of the chamber regarding the liberalization of Africa countries from debt fuel investment and dependency syndrome on donors?
Kibur: Much of Africa relies on foreign aid, despite economic growth in parts of the continent that significantly outpace the global average such as in countries like Ghana and Ethiopia. Using those two examples last year both Ethiopia and Ghana had a GDP growth rate of over 6 percent, while the global GDP growth was around half at 3 percent.
The role
of Pan African Chamber of Commerce and Industry in liberalizing Africa
countries from debt fuel investment and dependency syndrome on donors is by
helping African organization to move away from donors and focus on building
their own capacity, which they have shown to have in abundance.
What we do is help organization meet Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that are designed to help companies and communities strengthen economic competitiveness and reduce poverty so that they can move away from donors and become more self-sufficient.
Herald: What does the Chamber envision towards rendering the African continent prosperous and modern?
Kibur: Currently, the African continent is taking shape and form in its developmental and economic initiatives. The African continent is the center of attraction now, with the huge milestone taken by all the member states strive to put to momentum of the establishment of the Africa Free Trade Agreement.
As our mandate, we exist as a chamber to fast track the implementation of the Africa Continental Free Trade Agreement. It is not hard to understand the enormous benefits it plays on the continent. One of the ways to modernize the continent to strive to is by putting a big emphasis on empowering Women Entrepreneurship and Youth in business.
Herald : How does the Chamber engage in Capacity Building of African Youths?
Kibur: Africa’s youth population is growing rapidly and expected to double to over 830 million by 2050. This increase in working-age population presents an opportunity to boost productivity and facilitate inclusive growth across the continent.
We have to do more to engage African youths. And we have to transform the chambers of commerce, use effectively the talent and expertise we have in our network to support young entrepreneurs. This lies within the core of our activities as an organization and a chamber.
Herald: Are there activities the Chamber undertakes in its programs towards the economic independence of the African continent?
Kibur: Of course, our whole existence as an organization is to take part in programs that would grow the economic independence of the African Continent.
Herald: What does PACCI do when it comes to the financial freedom of African Countries?
Kibur: Pan African Chamber of Commerce and Industry is committed to creating a more business-friendly environment in Africa and the only way to do this is to bring together the different stakeholders in a way where all parties feel comfortable engaging in proactive dialogue, including what you refer as financial freedom.
Although I am not sure that the objective of a growing business is to be financially free, by and large business seeks to build continuously more assets and reduce cost at the same time. Isn’t this the objective of business?
Herald: At last, do you have a message to convey?
Kibur: I want to say this about the African Continental Free Trade Agreement, that it is an unprecedented trade agreement, it will benefit all Africans and will place African Small and medium enterprises on the international agenda. This integration cannot be reversed, so it is necessary to continue strengthening our relationship as strategic partners.
It is necessary that we recognize that small businesses are the backbone of our economy, of Africa’s economy, and the cornerstone of the future African dream. These risk-takers and dreamers spur growth, create jobs, and expand opportunities. They dream of a good African Free Trade that will help rather than hinder Small and medium Enterprises development.
The Ethiopian Herald Sunday edition December 22/2019
BY MEHARI BEYENE
