The first edition of the Annual Assembly of African IPAs(AIPA) was organized by Ghana Investment Promotion Center(GIPC) on 25th January 2023. The theme of the Assembly was to deliberate the role of IPAs in facilitating the growing Intra-African Trade.
Mr. Ismail Ersahin, ED, WAIPA attended the opening session and presented his remarks as well. Extending his gratitude to Mr. Yofi Grant, CEO of GIPC, Mr. Ismail went on to underline the importance of IPAs as an agent of FDI and their role in facilitating investments.
Furthermore, it was discussed that IPAs’ flexibility to transform their operations and business mindset as seen in their work and provision of services during covid-19 period made them truly unique.
WAIPA’s ongoing work such as the establishment of the Business Advisory Board (BAB) to better understand the concerns of leading private companies and then sharing it with IPAs, as well as other collaborations with partner organizations such as Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF)- for LDCs and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO)- for African, Caribbean and Pacific countries were also highlighted.
Noting the significance of regional cooperation, AIPA was touted to have a great impact on knowledge-sharing among African IPAs.
Lastly, WAIPA indicated its full support for the Assembly and regional IPAs in their shared goal of enhancing the efficiency of their operations.