Online Reporter
Farai Dauramanzi-Echo/Radar Editor
AFRICAN women must take centre stage in trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area if the continent’s economic transformation agenda is to succeed, Concord For Young Women in Business Global president Ms Apphia Nyasha Musavengana has said.
She was speaking last Friday in Swakopmund, Namibia, where her organisation is participating in the third Invest in Africa Trade Expo and Business Summit.
The summit has brought together influential leaders, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and trade experts from across the continent to discuss investment, market access and intra-African trade.
In an interview, Ms Musavengana said the event was “truly meaningful, impactful and inspiring” as it brought together leaders, entrepreneurs, policymakers and young people passionate about Africa’s economic growth and transformation.
“The discussions were very informative and highlighted the importance of collaboration, innovation and inclusion in advancing trade and development across the continent.
“I am honoured to have been part of this important platform and to contribute through my presentation on positioning African women to champion trade under AfCFTA.”
Ms Musavengana noted that it was encouraging to see the strong commitment towards empowering women and youth, who remain key drivers of sustainable economic growth.
“Empowering women is not only a matter of equality but a strategic driver of sustainable economic growth, innovation and prosperity across Africa,” she said.
“By equipping women¯ with the tools, networks and access needed to thrive in trade, Africa can unlock its full economic potential and accelerate the realisation of the AfCFTA vision.”
She said African women must move from the margins to the centre of trade policy and practice if AfCFTA is to deliver on its promise of a single market.
“The critical role of positioning African women as champions of trade under AfCFTA cannot be overstated,” she said.
“We must create inclusive opportunities, strengthen women-led enterprises and remove structural and financial barriers that hold women back from scaling across borders.”
She also commended President Mnangagwa for his role in advancing women’s empowerment in Zimbabwe, saying his approach should be replicated across the continent.
“I want to commend His Excellency President Mnangagwa for playing a critical role in the empowerment of women in Zimbabwe, which should be replicated by the rest of Africa through his policy of leaving no one and no place behind,” she said.
The summit ran from 28-30 May in Swakopmund, with sessions on infrastructure financing, agri-processing value chains and digital trade under AfCFTA.
