SAYTA Capacity Building Workshop

The South African Youth Trade Association in collaboration with the International Trade Institute of Southern Africa held its inaugural capacity building workshop on the 28th of August 2024. The goal of this program was to capacitate the members of the structure as to better understand the concept of "trade" and aid in positioning young people at the center of job creation and trade development. The theme of the workshop was "Empowering and creating a conducive environment for an inclusive and sustainable trade through a meaningful youth participation."

Opening Remarks - SAYTA President

The President of the South African Youth Trade Association, Mr Luyolo Dwesi opened up the workshop with a historical overview of what it means to be a young person in trade within South Africa. He outlined the challenges and barriers faced by youth led businesses and how these could be mitigated to ensure the success of more youth entrepreneurs.

"It is important to remember that the trading environment in the next 10 years will be very different from today. How the trading environment evolves, will be is contingent on the decisions made today. It is imperative therefore to give the youth opportunities to participate in trade policy making to ensure that they will be policies that will ensure the benefits of our economic growth". The President of SAYTA outlined in his opening remarks.

Keynote Address - DTIC Deputy Minister

In his keynote address the Deputy Minister of DTIC, Hon Andrew Whitfield emphasized the commitment of the Government of National Unity to foster rapid, inclusive economic growth and job creation. He affirmed that the priority of the DTIC is to stimulate manufacturing growth in order to build an export-oriented economy.

The Deputy Minister made it clear to the meeting that trade was not only about the products, but also the processes and policies that govern them according to the World Economic Forum.

"The DTIC endeavors to contribute to sustainable trade through export promotion initiatives that foster inclusive economic growth; support youth entrepreneurship; contribute to retaining and creating jobs whilst addressing the environmental and social challenges." Hon Andrew Whitfield highlighted in his speech.

Presentations from Strategic Partners

SAYTA invited strategic partners in trade to deliver presentations during the capacity building workshop. The following institutions made presentations during the capacity building.

• International Trade Institute of Southern Africa
• DTIC Industrial Finance Division
• NEDLAC
• AfCFTA Secretariat Office : Women and Youth

More From The Workshop

The capacity building was filled with value exchange and more from the presentations from the strategic stakeholders in trade can be found below.