The Ivorian Employers’ Association is calling for the establishment of a special program to promote the inclusion of women entrepreneurs in public procurement.
At the end of the CGECI Academy 2024, the economic forum of the Ivorian Employers’ Association, held on November 25 and 26, 2024, in Abidjan, around the theme “What service industry to stimulate the performance of African economies?,” the Scientific Committee outlined possible solutions for sustained growth in African economies.
Rosine Barouan, Vice-President of the Scientific Committee of CGECI Academy 2024, listed the recommendations after the discussions conducted through 16 panels, three round tables, five Master classes and a high-level exchange.
These different sessions made it possible to formulate solutions to strengthen the place of services in African economies. They also made it possible to identify the issues, challenges and opportunities for a greater contribution of services to the growth of African states.
In terms of logistics and trade, the Scientific Committee of CGECI Academy advocated the acceleration of the digitalization of commercial operations and technological innovation in order to streamline supply chains.
The experts encouraged the support of logistics service start-ups, through the creation of incubators and the adoption of an appropriate regulatory framework, as well as the extension of economic infrastructure (ports, roads, telecoms, energy) outside capitals and large cities.
For a “better inclusion of women entrepreneurs,” the Ivorian Employers’ Association recommends that “a program for the benefit of women entrepreneurs” be established in order to allow access to public markets.
According to Ms. Rosine Barouan, this should make it possible to “better expose women in cities in the interior of the country, as well as those in rural areas to business and financing opportunities” with a view to developing their business.
Furthermore, the Scientific Committee of CGECI Academy urges leaders of African states to “popularise the existence of financing organisations among women entrepreneurs and improve their financial education.”
The resolutions also invite states to reduce the gap between academic training and the needs of the labour market, by developing new learning methods, relying on new technologies and integrating local culture, as
well as 21st century skills.
In terms of the service industry, experts suggested developing collaboration between the public and private sectors, while establishing a regulatory framework and attractive tax incentives in the service sectors.
Invited to the CGECI Academy 2024, WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala called on leaders to “correct Africa’s under-representation in the role of global trade, by relying on economic zones and sub-regional integration, including the AfCFTA.”
In financial services, the Scientific Committee recommends accelerating the digitalization of payments, strengthening the capacities of Fintech with an innovative regulatory framework that promotes interoperability between banks, Fintech and mobile money to increase financial inclusion.
Concerning the real estate sector, the experts proposed that an observatory be created to centralise land data and facilitate real estate transactions in order to remedy opacity, and introduce tax incentives to promote sustainable construction.
Ahmed Cisse, President of the General Confederation of Enterprises of Côte d’Ivoire (CGECI, Ivorian Employers), expressed his wish that the service industry be at the heart of the growth of African economies.
The service industry has experienced some growth on the continent in recent decades, but remains largely untapped, he stressed, calling for the definition of the necessary strategies to develop this industry,
capable of reducing unemployment and creating added value.
Several high-level athletes spoke about their careers and shared their experiences. They advocated endurance and invited all those who are engaged in an adventure to believe in their dreams and never be discouraged, because success is at the end of effort and perseverance.
AP/fss/as/APA