The inaugural AfSNET Conference was held in in Durban, South Africa on the margins of the 2nd edition of the 2021 Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF2021). The Conference was attended by over 80 delegates, including representatives of six African sub-Sovereign governments including Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa, as well as senior government officials and those leading financial institutions; academia; the private sector; and media.

This year’s AfSNET will serve as a platform to promote intra-African trade and investment, expand educational and cultural exchanges through those networks within envisioned sub sovereign multilevel governments that constitute Africa Region Development Agencies (ADRAs), all underpinned by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

The Forum will convene senior delegates from among members of the Forum of Regions of Africa (FORAF), as well as significant representation from a broad cross-section of senior African officials, private sector leaders, and investors. Joining these delegates will be representatives from relevant development partners as well as figures from Africa’s diaspora.

What: Organised around the theme "Leveraging the AfCFTA for Sustainable Trade and Investment: A Development Pathway for African Sub-Sovereigns", the AfSNET Conference seeks to:

    Act as a vehicle for promoting intra-African trade, investment and industrialisation at the Sub-Sovereign level.
    Empower local governments in their role driving economic growth, sustainability, and development across Africa.
    Foster new, and deepen existing, partnerships between governments, investors, and development agencies in deepening regional integration and implementation of the AfCFTA.
    Promote Kisumu as an emerging investment destination and a key participant in regional and global economic development.
    Drive adoption of the Bank’s digital products aimed at promoting trade e.g. the African Trade Gateway (ATG), PAPSS, Border Markets, TRADAR Club, Export Trading Companies (ETCs), Buyer Programme, SME Programme, Project Preparation Facility (PPF) etc

Some of the key leaders expected to grace the event include:

    H.E Dr. William Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya
    H.E. Prof Bennedict Oramah, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors, Afreximbank
    H.E Prof. Peter Anyang' Nyong'o, Governor of Kisumu County, Kenya
    Mr. Jean Pierre Elong Mbassi, Secretary General, United Cities and Local Governments of Africa
    Mrs. Kanayo Awani, Executive Vice President, Intra-African Trade & Export Development Bank, Afreximbank
    H.E. Mr. Wamkele Mene, Secretary General of the AfCFTA Secretariat
    Hon. Salim Mvurya Mgala, EGH, Cabinet Secretary for Investments, Trade and Industry, Kenya
    H.E. Gedion Mungaro, Governor of Kilifi County & Chairman of Jumuia ya Kaunti za Pwani
    H. E James Orengo, Governor, Siaya County
    H.E Senator Prince Bassey E. OTU, Governor, Cross River State, Nigeria
    Dr. Gainmore Zanamwe Director Trade Facilitation at Afreximbank

When: Monday 25 – Wednesday 27 November 2024

Where: GRAND ROYAL SWISS HOTEL, KISUMU, KENYA