“AfYBC can Drive Youth in Business Agenda under AfCFTA” – Sebahizi

The Director of Institutional Matters and Programmes Coordination (DIMPC) at the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat, Mr Prudence Sebahizi, has expressed confidence in the capacity of the Afrikan Youth Business Council (AfYBC) to drive the youth in business agenda under the AfCFTA.

“I believe the Afrikan Youth Business Council will be a very successful business council. I have a lot of hope in the young people driving the business council,” said Mr Sebahizi. “I want to encourage you to join forces with others, pull resources together, share expertise and mitigate risks. You can achieve all these through strategic alliances and partnerships.”

Mr Sebahizi stated this Thursday last week during a webinar organized by AfYBC under the theme, “Demystifying the AfCFTA Protocol on Women and Youth in Trade.” The webinar was a platform for robust discussions on the opportunities presented by the AfCFTA Protocol on Women and Youth in Trade and the challenges to be overcome by young entrepreneurs to realize the opportunities. 

He commended the role played by young Africans in the negotiation process of the Women and Youth Protocol, which he described as “groundbreaking”, and emphasized the need for awareness-raising regarding the AfCFTA Protocol on Women and Youth in Trade. He described the protocol as a pioneering legal instrument which was the first of its kind in the history of global trade agreements.

“As we gather here today, we are witnessing a pivotal moment in the history of Africa, especially with the implementation of the AfCFTA Agreement. I urge you to seize the moment and utilize the opportunity provided by the protocol to advance the interests of women and youth in trade across the continent,” Sebahizi assured.

The AfCFTA Director reiterated the importance of proactive engagement and collaboration among stakeholders to maximize the potential of the AfCFTA Women and Youth Protocol and encouraged young Africans to continue advocating for their interests and actively participate in the implementation process of the AfCFTA to ensure its success.

The AfYBC is the continental apex body for youth-led private sector entities advocating for a youth-friendly business policy environment in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) era. The Council was launched by the African Union Commissioner for Economic Development, Trade, Tourism, Industry and Minerals (ETTIM), Amb. Albert Muchanga at the East African Community (EAC) headquarters in December 2022 at Arusha Tanzania.