The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) holds immense potential to reshape the economic landscape of Africa, creating a single market for goods and services, boosting intra-African trade, and driving economic growth. However, realizing this potential requires active engagement from all segments of society, particularly the youth and women who represent a significant portion of the continent’s entrepreneurial spirit. Recognizing this imperative, the AfCFTA Young Entrepreneurs Federation (AfYEF) is hosting a high-level side event during the 2025 Annual Meetings of the African Development Bank (AfDB) in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, to specifically address the empowerment of youth and women within the AfCFTA framework. The event, themed “Empowering Women and Youth Through AfCFTA,” will serve as a platform for dialogue, knowledge sharing, and the launch of a crucial resource designed to equip young entrepreneurs with the tools they need to succeed in the new continental market.
The event, scheduled for May 27th at the Sofitel Hotel Abidjan, will bring together a diverse group of stakeholders, including policymakers, entrepreneurs, investors, and development partners. This convergence of expertise and influence is crucial for fostering collaboration and creating an enabling environment for youth and women entrepreneurs. High-level speakers, including H.E. Wamkele Mene, Secretary-General of the AfCFTA Secretariat, and Dr. Joy Kategekwa, Director of the Regional Integration Coordination Office at the AfDB, will provide insights into the AfCFTA’s potential to catalyze inclusive growth by creating trade opportunities for these demographic groups. Their addresses will highlight the importance of targeted policies and programs that address the specific challenges faced by young and women entrepreneurs in accessing finance, markets, and information.
A central feature of the event will be the official launch of the AfCFTA Guide Book. This practical resource, developed by AfYEF, aims to demystify the complexities of the AfCFTA for young entrepreneurs. The Guide Book will provide a step-by-step guide to navigating AfCFTA trade protocols, market entry strategies, and export-readiness tools. It is designed to empower aspiring entrepreneurs with the knowledge and practical skills needed to leverage the opportunities presented by the continental free trade area. This initiative reflects AfYEF’s commitment to providing tangible support to young entrepreneurs and facilitating their active participation in intra-African trade.
Siita Sofo Hissan, Founding President of AfYEF, will deliver a keynote address emphasizing the need for increased investment in youth-led innovation and capacity-building. He is expected to champion inclusive financing models tailored to the realities of young and women entrepreneurs. This includes advocating for greater youth representation in the governance of emerging financial institutions, particularly the Youth Entrepreneurship Investment Bank (YEIB), an AfDB initiative currently being piloted in 13 African countries. The YEIB represents a significant step towards addressing the financing gap faced by young entrepreneurs, and AfYEF’s advocacy for greater youth involvement underscores the importance of ensuring that these institutions are responsive to the needs of their target beneficiaries.
The event’s agenda also includes participation from other key stakeholders, including Fredrick Nonde Jr., AfYEF Vice President for Administration; Hon. George Opare-Addo, Ghana’s Minister for Youth Development; and Governors from Nigeria, among others. Their presence underscores the broad support for youth and women entrepreneurship within the AfCFTA framework. The diverse perspectives and experiences represented by these participants will contribute to a richer discussion and generate concrete recommendations for fostering inclusive participation in continental trade. The collaborative nature of the event will further strengthen partnerships and facilitate the implementation of effective strategies for empowering young entrepreneurs.
The AfYEF-organized event signifies a crucial step in harnessing the transformative potential of the AfCFTA for youth and women. By providing a platform for dialogue, launching the practical AfCFTA Guide Book, and advocating for inclusive policies and financing models, AfYEF is working to ensure that young entrepreneurs are equipped to seize the opportunities offered by the continental free trade area. With an anticipated attendance of 200 participants from various African countries, the event will be conducted in English with simultaneous French interpretation and live-streamed for wider accessibility across the continent. The distribution of 200 physical copies of the Guide Book at the launch, coupled with plans for broader dissemination, further demonstrates AfYEF’s commitment to reaching and empowering a vast network of aspiring entrepreneurs across Africa. This inclusive approach is crucial for maximizing the AfCFTA’s impact and creating a more prosperous future for the continent.
