The AfCFTA Conference on Women and Youth in Trade

The AfCFTA Conference on Women and Youth in Trade kicked off from 12^th-14th of September, 2022 in Dar es Salaam at Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre (JNICC). This hybrid event brought together key stakeholders, including policymakers, academics, private sector and civil society leaders, and citizens to jointly develop and implement solutions for Africa’s economic transformation.

The conference themed Women and Youth: The Engine of AfCFTA Trade in Africa was officiated by H.E. Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of the United Republic of Tanzania and Champion of Women and Youth in Trade under the AfCFTA. The AfCFTA Conference on Women and Youth in Trade and attended by Heads of States and Government leaders, including The Vice President of Uganda H.E. Jessica Allupo, The Vice President of the Republic of Liberia H.E. Dr. Jewel Howard Taylor and the Former President of Malawi, Joyce Banda.

In Her speech, H.E. Samia, said that the Government is giving preference to private sector to participate in development activities, and for now Tanzania is giving priorities to women whereas 30% of all major Government procurement has been give to companies owned by women.

Among other things, the event included panel discussion with the topic Supporting Women and Youth Leadership in Trade: Fireside Chat with African female leaders moderated by Hon. Amb. Liberata Mulamula, Tanzania Minister of Foreign Affairs and East Africa Cooperation.

The AfCFTA Conference on Women and Youth was officially closed on the 14^th September 2022 by the Zanzibar’s First Vice President, Hon. Masoud Othman, insisting the opinion and suggestions made during the conference will reflect in the Protocol of Women and Youth in Trade in order to facilitate available opportunities for everyone and Africa in general.