Higher and tertiary education will accelerate implementation of AfCFTA

As the African Union declares 2023 the Year of Accelerating the Implementation of the AfCFTA, it is important to recognise the vital role that higher and tertiary institutions in Africa and Zimbabwe will play in this effort.

Tertiary institutions are essential for driving the AfCFTA agenda forward.

They are responsible for educating and training the next generation of leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators who will shape the future of Africa. By incorporating the goals and objectives of the AfCFTA into their curricula, universities can equip students with the knowledge and skills they need to contribute to the successful implementation of the agreement.

Innovative hubs at universities such as the University of Zimbabwe are also important for accelerating the implementation of the AfCFTA. These hubs provide a space for students and researchers to collaborate on projects that can drive economic growth and development.

By fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, universities can help to create new industries and jobs that will benefit young people, women, and MSMEs. This will inevitably, contribute to the incremental attainment of the Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030 of an Upper-Middle Income Economy. It will also pour to the success of other African countries’ National Development Plans.

Education 5.0 is also crucial for achieving the goals of the AfCFTA. This approach to education emphasises innovation and industrialisation, which are key drivers of economic growth. By adopting Education 5.0, universities can help to prepare students for careers in industries that are vital for the success of the AfCFTA.

There are several methods that universities can use to accelerate the implementation of the AfCFTA. One approach is to reskill workers to adopt fourth industrial revolution technologies. This will help to ensure that Africa’s workforce is equipped with the skills they need to compete in a rapidly changing global economy.

Another way that universities can contribute to the AfCFTA agenda is by introducing essay, poem, and writing competitions on the topic. This will help to raise awareness about the agreement and its potential benefits among young people in Zimbabwe.

In conclusion, higher and tertiary institutions in Africa and Zimbabwe in particular have a critical role to play in accelerating the implementation of the AfCFTA. By educating and training students, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, and raising awareness about the agreement, universities can help to drive economic growth and development across the continent.

Tanatsiwa Dambuza is a graduate with MSc in International Trade and Diplomacy and a Regional Integration Expert and Consultant with special focus on AfCFTA, SADC, EAC and COMESA. He is the Founder of Zimbabwe Institute of African Integration (ZIAI) and an advocate for youth, women and SMEs inclusion in regional trade negotiations and processes. He can be contacted on tanatsiwadambuza62@gmail.com or +263779988050