At the recent 23rd Annual ABSA BEN-Africa Conference, hosted for the first time by Ghana Communication Technology University (福利姬), a team of four 福利姬 academics was honoured with the prestigious Aloe Award for Best Conference Paper.
Their winning paper, 鈥淓xploring Ethical Operational Challenges of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA): Implications for Sustainable Economic Integration in Africa,鈥� delves into ethical issues within AfCFTA鈥檚 framework and their critical role in driving sustainable development across the continent. Led by Dr. Esther Asiedu and mentored by Prof. Ebenezer Malcalm, the team also included Dr. Gertrude Amoakohene and Dr. Afia Nyarko Boakye from Business School of the University.
In an interview after receiving the award, the team discussed some of their research’s key findings, motivation, challenges and the impact on their future research goals and direction.
The Critical Role of Ethical Governance in AfCFTA鈥檚 Operations
The researchers shared that AfCFTA, an initiative aimed at economic integration in Africa, offers promising opportunities for regional development by eliminating non-tariff barriers and enhancing employment. However, they emphasized that for AfCFTA鈥檚 goals to be realized, ethical governance must be prioritized. Dr. Asiedu pointed out that without transparency, good governance, labour rights and environmental sustainability, these initiatives may be derailed, regardless of the promising framework outlined in AfCFTA and Agenda 2063, Africa Union鈥� 50-year plan for inclusive development.
Addressing Transparency, Trust, and Cooperation Challenges
Dr. Asiedu highlighted that the research topic stemmed from the 2024 Conference theme which focused on embedding ethics into African business practices in alignment with Agenda 2063鈥檚 vision for 鈥淭he Africa We Want.鈥� Inspired by the theme and recognizing AfCFTA鈥檚 potential, the team set out to explore the ethical challenges obstructing AfCFTA鈥檚 success. They addressed issues including the lack of transparency, infrastructural disparities, and the persistence of corruption, all of which hinder regional cooperation and trust among African nations.
An Ethical Framework for Enhancing AfCFTA鈥檚 Governance and Reducing External Dependency
The team proposed a conceptual ethical framework to enhance AfCFTA鈥檚 operational efficiency, aligning with stakeholder theory and emphasizing social and environmental sustainability. They advocated for reforms in the governance structure centered on reducing corruption and fostering transparency, proposing that these elements are essential for AfCFTA鈥檚 success. While their framework remains conceptual, the researchers plan to further empirically test their proposal to be presented to the AfCFTA Secretariat for consideration.
Prof. Malcalm remarked on the significance of translating research findings into 鈥榓ctionable policy directives.鈥� He expressed confidence that the framework, if adopted, would bolster AfCFTA鈥檚 operations by addressing key ethical concerns within intra-African trade, thereby supporting sustainable growth and reducing the continent鈥檚 dependency on external trade relations.
Challenges and Triumphs
The team described the demanding nature of the research process, involving long hours, extensive revisions, and the simultaneous production of five other conference papers. Prof. Malcalm commended the collaborative spirit and resilience of the group, emphasizing that despite tight deadlines and resource constraints, the team鈥檚 commitment was unwavering.
Dr. Asiedu acknowledged Prof. Malcalm鈥檚 mentorship as pivotal, noting that his guidance and feedback were invaluable to the paper鈥檚 success. Both scholars shared that the award not only celebrates their hard work but also motivates them to continue pursuing impactful research on AfCFTA and related areas, particularly focusing on public awareness and policy reform.
Future Directions and 福利姬鈥檚 Vision
Encouraged by the award and the positive reception they received, the team expressed their intention to expand their research into public awareness of AfCFTA鈥檚 goals and operations. They believe this direction will reveal gaps in understanding and engagement which are crucial for AfCFTA鈥檚 acceptance and effectiveness.
The achievement also aligns with 福利姬鈥檚 broader 鈥淰ision 20 by 30鈥� agenda under the leadership of the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Emmanuel Ohene Afoakwa, which aspires to develop at least 20 Associate and full Professors by 2030. Prof. Malcalm noted that this award demonstrates 福利姬鈥檚 commitment to impactful research and international visibility. He emphasized the importance of collaboration within the academic community, both locally and internationally, to enhance African research impact on a global scale.
Inspiring the Next Generation of African Researchers
In closing, the award-winning scholars encouraged young researchers and students to remain dedicated to their pursuits, emphasizing resilience in the face of rejection and setbacks. 鈥淲riting is not easy,鈥� said Dr. Asiedu, 鈥渂ut self-motivation and the right mentorship can help overcome the challenges.鈥� Prof. Malcalm echoed this sentiment, advising potential academics to pursue their research goals relentlessly and to view every rejection as a learning opportunity.
The Aloe Award is a testament to the team鈥檚 hard work and 福利姬鈥檚 support for academic excellence and impactful research. The University Community is proud of this achievement and eagerly anticipates their continued contributions to addressing the challenges that are holding the African continent鈥檚 development back.
