Trade Not Aid: An Inclusive Approach

in partnership with:

Overview:

At the African Union Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, the Council for the New Global South convened a high-level roundtable, in collaboration with the African Union Citizens and Diaspora Directorate (CIDO), the South African Muslim Council, and Faith for Our Planet. The event gathered business leaders, policymakers, and faith actors to challenge aid dependency and advocate for trade, innovation, and regional integration as the foundations of Africa’s development. 

Date: Tuesday, 24 June 2025 

Location:African Union Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Event Focus:
Discussions highlighted the transformative potential of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), alongside the need for African-led leadership, infrastructure investment, and inclusive economic systems. Central to the dialogue was the call to harness Africa’s own human, institutional, and spiritual resources to drive sustainable growth and redefine the continent’s place in the global economy. 

Key Themes:

  • The private sector’s role in driving agro-processing, green manufacturing, and regional competitiveness 
  • Values-based leadership as the foundation for ethical governance and inclusive growth 
  • Building trust and social cohesion as essential to successful trade frameworks 
  • Africa’s agency in shaping its own economic future and redefining global partnerships 

Speakers and Panelists

Hon. Jeremy Lissouba

Member of Parliament in the Republic of Congo

Gamuchirai Chiwenga

CEO of Inti Investments

Diana Rose Ouma

Communications and Advocacy Lead at the Horn of Africa Youth Network

Joseph Hammond FRSA

Moderator

Co-founder and Managing Director CNGS