Opportunities In African Trade
Closing Remarks by AfCFTA Secretariat Office
We recently had the honor of having the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) deliver the closing remarks at our inaugural capacity building workshop. The workshop was themed "Empowering and creating a conducive environment for an inclusive and sustainable trade through a meaningful youth participation". Present at the capacity building was government entities, private sector, strategic institutions in trade and most importantly youth led businesses looking to participate in global trade.
Adoption of Key Protocols by African Union
The meeting was graced by Gonaya Monei E.Sethora from the office of Women and Youth in trade from the Secretariats Office of AfCFTA. In her closing remarks she gave us the landscape in terms of the transformative mission of the AfCFTA in forging a more inclusive trade environment. The African Union in their 35th ordinary summit adopted key protocols and decisions affecting the continental free trade area. These protocols focus on empowering women and youth in trade, with the aim to promote sustainable and inclusive socioeconomic development and provide equal opportunities for youth and women in Intra-Africa Trade.
Barriers To Trade
Gonaya gave the meeting clearer emphasis on the intentional efforts by the AfCFTA to not only ensure the implementation of these protocols but also look at addressing the challenges women and youth face in trade, "Women and Youth face unique challenges in trade, this sector also makes up a significant portion in regard to the population. It is essential that we improve accessibility, capacity building and financing for women and youth in trade." Gonaya highlighted to the meeting.
The AfCFTA Secretariats Office is also engaged in a variety of initiatives to ensure the success of the adoption of key protocols. This included enhancing access:
- Trade Information
- Trade Markets
- Export Readiness
- Standards on International Trade
What's Next For Youth in Trade
Gonaya shared with us the steps taken by the AfCFTA Secretariats Office to build consensus with the various economic and youth networks as to further understands the day-to-day issues facing women and youth in trade. This is essentials as to give them far much clarity on the different strategies that could see this sector thrive in trade. To view the full speech, click on the video below.
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