TWIMS Campus | 14th October 2022 | 8:30 – 16:30
Masterclass overview:
Although intra-African trade is still low, Sub-Saharan Africa is one of the fastest-growing regions in the world and the push for intra-African trade is advancing through the likes of the Tripartite Free Trade Area (TFTA) and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The AfCFTA Agreement envisages that 90% of products would be traded, duty-free on the continent within ten years. As of January 2022, 41 African Union (AU) member states have ratified The Agreement. As The Agreement shifts into its operational phase, South African industrialists need to consider what potential opportunities this agreement will provide in the next 2 to 3 years. They should be informed by what key milestones to look out for and how to respond to the potential opportunities.
In a context where industrialisation and specifically the growth of the manufacturing sector, remain the key mechanisms enabling developing countries and emerging economies to improve their economic and social welfare, the purpose of this course is to explore economic trade trends across the continent and to understand how policy dynamics such as those related to the AfCFTA might influence future developments. The masterclass explores trade strategy options facing those firms seeking to work with the emerging manufacturing ecosystem on the continent.
This one-day masterclass will begin with an overview of the African trade environment, including an overview of trade agreements, trade barriers and trade facilitation measures available to manufacturers. Practically, this masterclass will introduce executives to various approaches to utilise when analysing African markets (covering both the import and export markets) and how to develop regional export strategies to take advantage of manufacturing opportunities on the African continent.
Learning outcomes:
The day is structured to ensure that all participants:
• Understand how evolving trade patterns are linked to industrialisation
• Understand the trade environment in Africa, with a focus on the AfCFTA
• Are able to evaluate the challenges of trading in Africa
• Understand the importance of analysing trade flows and selecting attractive export markets and markets to source from
• Are able to use results from our analysis to develop regional export strategies and opportunities into Africa
Participants will receive a TWIMS African Trade Masterclass Attendance certificate.
Masterclass facilitator:
The masterclass is facilitated by Mbongeni Ndlovu, the Illovo Academic Head of African Trade and Industrialisation at TWIMS. Mbongeni’s specialisations include development economics, industrial policy and African studies. As a consultant and development economist, he has 7 years of experience in policy research and analysis, monitoring and evaluation, impact assessment evaluation, and strategy development.
His research has focused primarily on the automotive, clothing and footwear industries. Most recently, he has contributed to the development of a Sub-Saharan African Automotive Pact model; South Africa’s Clothing, Textiles and Footwear Masterplan; and South Africa’s Yellow Metals Masterplan. Mbongeni holds an MSc in African Studies and an MSc in Economics for Development both from the University of Oxford.
Masterclass cost:
The masterclass cost is R4,000 per participant. This is fully inclusive of all refreshments, teas, and lunch on the 14th of October, as well as all stationery. The cost excludes accommodation.
Venue and accommodation:
The masterclass is run at the TWIMS campus, 74 Everton Road, Kloof. Accommodation is available on-site at an additional cost. Visit the TWIMS website (http://www.twimsafrica.com) for further details.
Applications:
Participation is limited to 40 executives. Application for participation can be made online at http://www.twimsafrica.com. Masterclass enquiries can be directed to andrea.govender@twimsafrica.com