African Union2023-07-312023-07-312023African Union. (2023). The 14th African union high level private sector forum: public - private sector engagement for inclusive growth and sustainable development while deepening regional and continental trade and investment towards implementation of AfCFTA. African Union Commissionhttps://doi.org/10.60682/qqxq-yp51Concept noteThe world is increasingly becoming interconnected, and this has created new opportunities for businesses to expand their operations beyond their borders. Regional and Continental trade agreements provide a platform for businesses to access new markets and customers, and to benefit from economies of scale. However, dismal investment inflows, trade barriers, access to finance, climate change, high cost of transport, level and efficiency in production, diverse regulations, slow implementation of the agreed commitments in the various trade agreements, coupled with low awareness of investment and business opportunities that ultimately limit trade and investment. This calls for renewed commitments and political will to resolve the challenges that hinder trade and investment attraction. The theme therefore focuses on Public – Private Sector engagement on how to bolster regional and continental trade and investment to facilitate inclusive growth and sustainable development in line with the African Union theme of 2023, which is on “Accelerating the Implementation of the AfCFTA”. Whilst the AfCFTA provides numerous opportunities for Africa, it is imperative that deliberate strategies be put in place by all relevant stakeholders to unlock and effectively utilize this potential.enOther