Online Reporter
Online Reporter
African women have been challenged to assume leadership roles in trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area, with their active participation described as critical to unlocking the continent’s economic potential.
This was said by Concord For Young Women in Business president Miss Apphia Musavengana at the Invest in Africa Trade Expo and Business Summit in Swakopmund, Namibia. The summit ran from 28 May and ends today.
Musavengana said women must move beyond the margins of trade and occupy leadership positions in export, manufacturing and cross-border business if AfCFTA is to succeed.
“AfCFTA is not just a trade agreement, it is a transformation agenda. But that transformation will remain incomplete if African women are not at the forefront of production, logistics, finance and innovation,” she said.
She urged governments to dismantle barriers that limit women’s access to finance, markets and trade information, and called on the private sector to mentor and fund women-led enterprises.
The summit brought together entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers and development partners from across the continent to explore opportunities under AfCFTA. Discussions focused on market access, value chains, digital trade and financing for SMEs.
Musavengana said Concord For Young Women in Business was using the platform to equip young female entrepreneurs with the skills, networks and exposure needed to compete regionally and globally.
“When young women are empowered with the right tools, they do not just build businesses, they build industries, create jobs and strengthen economies,” she said.
She added that Namibia’s hosting of the expo demonstrated the country’s commitment to intra-African trade and provided a practical example of how AfCFTA could connect producers to new markets.
