Trade experts from various World Trade Centres, African governments, the African Continental Free Trade Area as well as business networks gathered in Accra, Ghana for the World Trade Centres Association's 53rd General Assembly.

Africa accounts for only 3% of global GDP and 2% of world trade.

The WTCA General Assembly returns to the continent for the second time after its last assembly in Algeria in 2016. 

This assembly was to take place in 2021 initially but it was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Here are some highlights from key speakers during Tuesday's opening ceremony.

"Today here we are, assembled at a great time in the world's economic history when we are just emerging from COVID-19 and suffering from the consequences of the war in Ukraine. I believe the world can draw comfort from Africa's potential to help solve many of the problems of today. In particular the problem of securing food security across the world. Africa is gearing up and is on the journey to fulfil its promise," said Executive Chairman for World Trade Centre Accra, Togbe Afede XIV. 

The Chairman of the World Trade Centres Association, John Drew said they have 14 members already in Africa and it's an area they haven't come back to in a number of years and they should've but they didn't.

"The integration of this continent is already advancing. The World Bank tells us that by the year 2035 when we implement the AfCFTA in a manner that aggressively addresses our challenges we will lift 100 million people out of poverty. Abject poverty, moderate poverty," said SG for AfCFTA Secretariat, Wamkele Mene.

The event is hosted under the theme "Towards African Economic Integration and Enhanced Global Presence.