ECOWAS deepens support to Private Sector to take advantage of the AfCFTA

June 15, 2023 News Editor

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the International Trade Centre (ITC), organized a regional capacity building workshop for Master Trainers from Business Associations on the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) from 6 – 8 June 2023 in Abuja – Nigeria.

In her remarks, Madame Massandjé Toure-Litse, the ECOWAS Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture, highlighted the need for West African businesses to take advantage of the opportunities provided by the African continental market.

She reiterated the commitment of the ECOWAS Commission to support the Private Sector to unlock investment, boost production and promote business linkages. Finally, she urged network of Trainers to accompany Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), especially women and youth entrepreneurs, to start trading under the AfCFTA.

In his remarks, Mr. Lealem Berhanu Dinku, the UNDP Deputy Resident Representative, recalled that intra – African trade is driven by MSMEs, which form the majority of Africa’s private sector. As a result, the UNDP promotes MSMEs capacities to produce and trade for the African market through capacity building, market access and policy advisory services.

In his remarks, Mr. Ashish Shah, Director of the Division of Country Programmes at ITC, outlined how ITC’s AfCFTA trainings emphasize the importance of investment, trade, market intelligence, and value chain development. He highlighted the need to mentor MSMEs to robust business cases for potential financing, and the available tools for support such as ITC’s trade and market intelligence tools.

During the 3-day workshop, participants from Business Associations were trained on key elements of export readiness, including export market research, export strategy, as well as operational tools of the AfCFTA. The Masters Trainers were empowered to sensitize businesses on the benefit of the AfCFTA and help them start trading in the continental market.

The workshop was attended by representatives from Business Associations, the ECOWAS Commission, UNDP, ITC and the AfCFTA Secretariat. The ECOWAS – UNDP Capacity Building Programme was launched in April 2021 with the aim to support the Private Sector in the ECOWAS region to benefit market opportunities within the framework of the AfCFTA.

How John Cena scored F9 spot

June 15, 2023 News Editor

John Cena has come a long way from the ring to movie debut and DC Extended Universe. But the star got his big break in Hollywood by appearing in the Fast series.

Appearing alongside some of the biggest action stars like Vin Diesel completely changed his persona in the eyes of the mainstream public. Just like how Fast Five was instrumental in Dwayne Johnson’s career, the same could happen with Cena’s career.

But unlike Johnson, Cena has always talked about Diesel in a positive light. Being the brother of Diesel’s character in the movie puts that much pressure on Cena to perform well. But not as much pressure as the first time Cena met the man behind the success of one of the longest-running action franchises.

John Cena revealing tidbits about his first meeting with Vin Diesel, talked about Fast X; from the cast, and the movie to his connections with the series and the OGs of the franchise. Cena had an interesting story to share at the very least when asked how he got the gig.

First, Cena mentioned that Diesel called him to meet with the action star. So he readily agreed and found himself in the Toretto dojo, where Diesel trains. So while he sat, Diesel came out and talked to Cena, but there was no mention of the movie. Instead, they were talking about life and philosophy.

“He’s live on Instagram, 60 million followers, and he’s like hey kid you’re on. He’s like inviting me to the movie and I haven’t got the job from anyone at Universal, but I was in the movie because I had Vin Diesel’s blessing,” Cena said.

But as he mentioned in the interview, he wasn’t able to speak up at all. If you would like to watch it, the video of Diesel’s meeting with Cena is still on the actor’s Instagram feed. But this confirmed one thing: Cena was now a part of the upcoming movie, F9. It was a big revelation, but did Cena gain a boost after his appearance in the Fast series?

Just after the Fast series, a month later, Cena would make his DCEU debut in The Suicide Squad. Even with juggernauts like Margot Robbie and Idris Elba, Cena stood out as a captivating presence on the screen. It could be the influence of working with Diesel on F9, but Cena would later credit the man for his uptick in his acting career as well.

Then, Cena starred in the first TV series where he was the main lead. Shattering expectations, Peacemaker became a surefire hit, with both fans and critics. Now, Cena is gearing up to appear in his second Fast movie and he couldn’t be happier.