The AfCFTA Protocol on Women and Youth in Trade is a transformative initiative aimed at addressing the unique challenges faced by women and youth in the African trade landscape. This protocol seeks to create an inclusive environment that enhances their participation in regional trade, providing them with greater access to markets and opportunities for economic empowerment. During a recent panel discussion, we delved into the significance of this protocol, the gaps in youth engagement, and the critical role of national implementation strategies.

On 31 July 2024, I had the privilege of participating as a panelist in a session titled ‘Youth Voices in the AfCFTA – Women and Youth Trade Protocol: Why it Matters, Are You In?’ at the African Philanthropy Conference held at the Elephant Hills Hotel in Mos oa Tunya. Organized by the African Philanthropy Network, this session aimed to raise awareness about the AfCFTA Protocol on Women and Youth in Trade, highlighting the opportunities it presents and the existing gaps, especially concerning youth engagement.

The panel featured distinguished speakers, including Dr. Joan Nyanyuki, CEO of Africa Child Policy Forum, and Misheck Gondo, Regional Coordinator for the Southern Africa Youth Forum who both emphasized on the importance of the Protocol to young men and women and how it will impact the growth of African economies.  One of the most thought-provoking moments came from Dr. Stigmata Tenga, who questioned the rationale behind a protocol that lumps together youth and women. She asked whether they face the same challenges and barriers to trade. Her questions sparked a lively debate on the unique challenges faced by these groups and the need for tailored solutions.  Her Excellency Graca Machel further challenged us by asking where young people fit into the structure of the AfCFTA and how they are engaging in its implementation. She urged us to create spaces for youth engagement ourselves, emphasizing that it is within our power to make this protocol a reality. This was a powerful reminder of the agency that young people possess and the importance of self-advocacy in driving change.

My role in the session was to analyze several AfCFTA National Implementation Strategies and assess their alignment with the Protocol. Out of the 19 countries analyzed by UNECA, only nine explicitly indicated youth and women as strategic pathways to achieve their priority areas for competitiveness. This discrepancy raises fundamental questions about the alignment of policy priorities with the demographic realities shaping Africa’s trade landscape.

However, there were positive takeaways. Some countries, like Eswatini, Namibia, Kenya, Malawi, and Zambia, have inclusive provisions specifically for young men and women. For instance, Eswatini’s strategy includes a Gender and Trade Committee and minimum quotas for women’s participation; Namibia aims to integrate women and youth into value chains, providing them with export readiness training; Kenya commits to identifying four youth champions for the AfCFTA and using various communication modes to raise awareness. Uniquely, Malawi and Zambia focus on capacitating informal cross-border traders and SMEs owned by youths and women through mentorship, capacity building, and market access promotion. I also highlighted the AfCFTA Secretariat’s commitment to youth and women’s inclusion, with at least 35% of its staff being youth and over 50% women holding key positions.

Despite these efforts, challenges remain that the Protocol alone cannot resolve. Africa needs to take the ratification and implementation of the AU Free Movement Protocol, the Single African Air Transport Market, and the African Union Passport seriously to ensure the free movement of persons and goods. Additionally, the disintegration of regional bodies like ECOWAS, with the withdrawal of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, needs to be addressed to fully realize the benefits of the AfCFTA Protocol on Women and Youth in Trade. While the struggle to include women and youth in trade has been won, the journey is far from over. Our next goal is to ensure that the protocol is fully operationalized and integrated into domestic policies. This process will not be automatic, as it requires at least 22 ratifications, similar to other protocols. Hence, aluta, continua. It’s important to remember that the Protocol on Women and Youth in Trade was not part of the initial AfCFTA Agreement Negotiations. It was later introduced during phase 3 negotiations, activating Article 8(3) of the Agreement Establishing the AfCFTA. This article specifies that any additional instruments deemed necessary within the scope of the Agreement shall be concluded to further the objectives of the AfCFTA and, upon adoption, become an integral part of the Agreement.

The session served as a powerful reminder of the critical role youth voices play in shaping the future of trade in Africa. It brought to light both the opportunities and the challenges that lie ahead. As young people, we must seize these opportunities and work together to address the gaps, ensuring that the AfCFTA Protocol on Women and Youth in Trade becomes a transformative reality for all. The discussions highlighted the ongoing need for advocacy, strategic partnerships, and innovative solutions to empower youth and women in the trade landscape.