How Pan African Manufacturing Association Can Contribute To Growth Of African Manufacturing Sector—Mansur Ahmed

African manufacturing must undergo a transformation and expansion, which is no easy feat and cannot be left to chance if it must achieve the goals of Agenda 2063.

Both the public and private sectors must make sustained efforts to successfully implement the African Continental Free Trade Area (AFCFTA) and attain Agenda 2063’s objectives.

Mansur Ahmed, interim President Pan African Manufacturers Association (PAMA), stated this on the sideline of the Intra-African Trade Fair held in Cairo, Egypt, during the PAMA 2^nd Executive  Committee meeting and Relaunch of the association.

According to him, Institutions like Afreximbank, AFDB, AFC, and others are already playing crucial roles in this effort, but it’s essential for the private sector, particularly African manufacturers, to engage actively in fostering the necessary collaborations and partnerships for sector integration, expansion, and diversification.

He said this is where the Pan-African Manufacturers Association (PAMA) must play a more prominent role in promoting the growth of the African manufacturing sector.

The idea of PAMA, he said, was conceived in 2018, thanks to unwavering support of H.E Commissioner Albert Muchanga and his foresight. He promoted PAMA and superintended the establishment of an interim committee to bring it to fruition. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic and its aftermath hindered the effectiveness of the interim team’s efforts, and the lack of institutional platforms in most African countries posed challenges. Nonetheless, there are ongoing efforts aim to engage as many manufacturers associations; manufacturing industries and other major companies as possible.

So, how can PAMA contribute to the growth of the African manufacturing sector?

1. Unite Private Entrepreneurs: Globally, manufacturing activities are primarily driven by private entrepreneurs who invest in and operate manufacturing facilities. PAMA’s primary objective is to bring these entrepreneurial forces together. By fostering interaction and facilitating knowledge sharing, we aim to forge relationships among entrepreneurs, thereby building mutual confidence. Through these interactions, they can collaborate and establish partnerships, further strengthening the African manufacturing sector. We should work together to ensure that we achieve tremendous increase in cross-border value chain development, so that most of the goods traded in the African continent are made in African.
2. Research and Knowledge Sharing: A cornerstone of PAMA’s mission is conducting comprehensive studies on various aspects of manufacturing across Africa. These studies will delve into policies and regulations governing the sector, opportunities for developing value chain linkages, avenues for collaborative growth, and potential enhancements to manufacturing ecosystems. By sharing the results of these studies among our members and stakeholders, we can disseminate best practices and facilitate sector-wide improvements. The power of knowledge-sharing is vital to enhance the capabilities of African manufacturers.
3. 3. Advocacy for Policy Improvements: Effective policy advocacy is essential to ensure the growth of the African manufacturing sector. PAMA will lead advocacy efforts at both regional and continental levels to secure improved policies and regulatory environments across the African continent. By working with policymakers and stakeholders, PAMA aims to create an environment that fosters innovation, investment, and the growth of the manufacturing industry.
4. Staying Informed: The manufacturing landscape is dynamic and ever-evolving. PAMA recognizes the importance of staying informed about developments in manufacturing technologies, processes, and best practices. Beyond the African continent, there are valuable lessons to be learned from global manufacturing trends. PAMA will actively monitor these developments and share this knowledge among its members to promote innovation and the adoption of cutting-edge technologies.
5. Promoting Investment: A thriving manufacturing sector requires continuous investment. PAMA’s goal is to serve as a one-stop shop for investors interested in the African manufacturing sector. By facilitating new investments and partnerships, PAMA aims to attract the capital necessary for the sector’s expansion, modernization, and increased competitiveness.
6. Engaging the Business Council: PAMA recognizes the importance of engaging with other private sector stakeholders and the African Business Council. By participating in public/private engagement and dialogue processes, PAMA will ensure that the manufacturing industry’s perspective is represented and considered in broader business discussions. This will help align the interests of manufacturers with other stakeholders and drive mutually beneficial initiatives.
7. Collaboration with Development Partners: To accelerate the industrialization of manufacturing in Africa, PAMA will actively seek collaboration with development partners. Partnerships with African and international development organizations will contribute to initiatives aimed at enhancing and accelerating the growth of the manufacturing sector. This collaboration can unlock resources, knowledge, and technical assistance to address specific sector challenges.
8. Academic Collaboration: PAMA recognizes the importance of nurturing local talent and fostering innovation within the African manufacturing sector. Collaboration with universities and research institutions is essential for developing new knowledge, skills, and innovations. PAMA will actively engage with academic and research communities to support research, training, and the development of a skilled workforce that can drive the sector’s growth and innovation.
9. Promoting Sector Growth: PAMA understands the value of knowledge exchange and industry networking. To this end, PAMA will organize and facilitate regional seminars, conferences, and other events that promote the growth and development of the African manufacturing sector. These events will provide a platform for stakeholders to connect, share insights, and explore opportunities for collaboration, all contributing to the sector’s expansion.
10. 10. Technology Transfer and Innovation Hubs: In addition to the existing initiatives, PAMA can establish technology transfer and innovation hubs across the African continent. These hubs can serve as centers for research and development, promoting the adoption of advanced manufacturing technologies. By creating such hubs, PAMA can facilitate knowledge transfer, support local innovation, and encourage technology adoption, further strengthening the competitiveness of African manufacturers. With these ten initiatives, PAMA will play a pivotal role in driving the growth and transformation of the African manufacturing sector. By uniting stakeholders, fostering innovation, and advocating for favourable policies, PAMA will help realize the vision of a vibrant and globally competitive African manufacturing industry. Through these activities, PAMA will serve as a vital platform for accelerating the development of African manufacturing, effectively implementing AFCFTA, and achieving the objectives of Agenda 2063. Together, we can propel the continent towards the brighter future envisioned in “The Africa We Want.”