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Unlocking the AfCFTA’s Potential for Women and Youth

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Unlocking the AfCFTA's Potential for Women and Youth

Unlocking the AfCFTA’s Potential for Women and Youth

The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the world’s largest free-trade zone, is poised to revolutionize the continent’s economic landscape. With a market of over 1.2 billion people and a combined GDP exceeding $3 trillion, the AfCFTA offers immense opportunities for growth and development.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has been actively supporting the implementation of the AfCFTA at various levels, from national to continental. This support encompasses direct assistance to countries, training programs for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), fostering cross-regional SME linkages, research initiatives, and the development of trade-enabling technologies.

A strategic partnership between the AfCFTA Secretariat and UNDP aims to leverage trade to catalyse Africa’s socioeconomic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. By promoting trade, the partnership seeks to drive sustainable development, particularly for women and youth, in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Agenda 2063 vision for the continent.

Key Objectives of the AfCFTA:

  • Creating a single African market:

By eliminating most trade barriers and implementing common policies, the AfCFTA aims to facilitate the seamless movement of goods, services, people, and capital across the continent.

  • Empowering businesses: 

The AfCFTA seeks to create a more conducive environment for businesses, especially SMEs, to engage in trade.

  • Addressing non-tariff barriers:

 Measures such as customs delays and regulatory hurdles that hinder intra-African trade will be addressed.

  • Building African expertise:

The AfCFTA will foster the development of African expertise in areas like intellectual property rights, investment, competition, and e-commerce.

  • Reducing trade costs: 

Lowering tariffs and taxes between member countries will contribute to a more competitive business environment.

  • Enhancing trade infrastructure: 

The AfCFTA will support the development of policies and infrastructure, such as roads and ports, to facilitate trade and related services.

The AfCFTA represents a significant milestone in Africa’s journey towards integration and development. By realizing its full potential, the continent can unlock new opportunities for economic growth, job creation, and improved livelihoods for its people.

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In development

5 Youth Empowerment Programs in Africa

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5-Youth-Empowerment-Programs-in-Africa

Across Africa, some programs equip young people with the tools they need to thrive. These initiatives focus on education, skill development, entrepreneurship, and leadership, empowering the next generation to drive Africa’s development.

YouthConnekt Africa: Started in Rwanda in 2012, this program connects young people with mentors, peers, and skill-building opportunities. It supports entrepreneurship, leadership training, and access to funding, helping young Africans actively participate in their economies.

Grand Africa Initiative (GAIN): This pan-African NGO trains and mentors young men and women (ages 15–35) in digital literacy, leadership, and job skills. GAIN helps youth navigate the job market or start their business, enabling them to become self-sufficient and contribute to Africa’s growth.

Slum2School Nigeria: This organisation addresses educational access for underprivileged youth in urban slums. They offer scholarships, bridge courses, and psychosocial support, helping young people overcome barriers to education.

Akirachix (Kenya): This all-female coding school empowers young women in Kenya with tech skills. Through intensive training programmes, Akirachix prepares women to become software developers, web designers, and entrepreneurs.

Conclusion

Youth empowerment is critical to building Africa’s future leaders. By focusing on education, economic empowerment, health, civic engagement, and technology, we can equip young people with the skills, knowledge, and opportunities they need to lead.

Empowered youth are not just beneficiaries of development; they become active participants and drivers of change. Investing in youth empowerment today will ensure a brighter and more prosperous future for Africa.

By addressing the challenges and capitalising on the opportunities, we can empower African youths to become the great leaders of tomorrow.

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