African Chambers Deepen Innovation Agenda at Second (Chamber Model Innovation) CMI Training in Dar es Salaam

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African Chambers Deepen Innovation Agenda at Second CMI Training in Dar es Salaam

by PACCI Secretariat

Dar es Salaam, Tanzania — March 30, 2025

The Pan African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PACCI), in strategic partnership with the Tanzania Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (TCCIA) and Trade Smart, successfully hosted the Second Chamber Model Innovation (CMI) Training Workshop in Dar es Salaam on March 29–30, 2025. The event marked a significant milestone in PACCI’s efforts to equip African chambers with tools to become purpose-driven, member-focused, and innovation-ready institutions in the era of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Facilitated by renowned consultant Rose Ronoh of Trade Smart, the two-day training welcomed chamber leaders and business support representatives from across Africa, including Ethiopia, Ghana, Nigeria, Rwanda, Tanzania, Kenya, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and the Republic of Congo. The interactive workshop guided participants through the CMI framework’s core pillars: Purpose & Relevance, Innovation, Inclusivity & Equity, Governance & Accountability, and Sustainability.

In her opening remarks, Wincate Muthini, Senior Programmes Manager at PACCI, emphasized the importance of chambers aligning with national and continental economic goals:

“Chambers of commerce must lead not just administratively, but purposefully — creating space for SMEs, youth, women, and emerging sectors to thrive under AfCFTA.”

PACCI Executive Director Kebour Ghenna also addressed participants, stressing the urgency of innovation and collaboration:

“This is not just about adapting; it’s about redefining the role of chambers as proactive economic actors in Africa’s transformation. The future belongs to chambers that are agile, relevant, and accountable to their members.”

From the host country, Mr. Vincent Minja, President of TCCIA, warmly welcomed the continental delegates and reaffirmed Tanzania’s commitment to strengthening regional cooperation and private sector development:

“We are proud to host this important dialogue and exchange. The lessons shared here will shape the future of African business leadership.”

Grounded in Purpose, Built for Action

The training featured scenario exercises, peer coaching, strategic mapping, and reflective group work — all centered around helping chambers embed purpose in their operations. Participants explored real-world challenges and developed action plans to reform outdated models, improve service delivery, and create inclusive value for their members.

The workshop concluded with the official adoption of the “Declaration of African Chambers of Commerce and Business Support Organizations”, a continent-wide commitment to:

  • Champion strategic sectors like digital transformation, energy, culture, and housing,

  • Equip youth and women entrepreneurs for AfCFTA-led opportunities,

  • Embrace digital innovation and transparent governance,

  • Amplify the unified voice of African chambers through PACCI.

  • Actively promote engagement in key events like IATF 2025 in Algiers.

  • and support the Atlas Convention and its regional roadshows as a platform to foster cross-sectoral collaboration and solidarity.

A Continental Mandate for Chamber Excellence

This training builds on the momentum of the inaugural CMI workshop held in Addis Ababa and reflects PACCI’s broader vision to transform chambers into adaptive institutions that actively shape policy, accelerate trade, and foster inclusive growth. As recently noted by Hommes d’Afrique magazine, this movement toward modern, tech-enabled, and youth-inclusive chambers is essential to the success of AfCFTA.

The Dar es Salaam session was a step forward — not just for the chambers in attendance, but for the collective future of African commerce.

To access the full declaration or learn more about PACCI’s Chamber Africa Connect initiative and upcoming trainings, visit www.pacci.org.