NFNV NIGERIA-AFOACT: Empowering West African Women, Youth in Cross-Border Trade

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The New Faces New Voices Nigeria (NFNV-NIGERIA) and the West African Women Cross Border Traders Association (AFOACT) recent webinar underscored the need for multistakeholder collaboration and innovation to unlock the full potential of cross-border trade in West Africa.

The webinar themed: “Empower and Elevate to Advance Women and Youth Cross-Border Traders in West Africa” was hosted by New Faces New Voices Nigeria (NFNV-NIGERIA), a network under the Graça Machel Trust (GMT) focused on empowering women and youth in business and the West African Women Cross-Border Traders Association (AFOACT), an initiative of NFNV NIGERIA providing capacity building on access to markets across West Africa. 

The webinar was organized with support from Ellevate by Ecobank, which aims to empower and support women-led and women-focused businesses with financial and value-added solutions to help their businesses reach their full potential and succeed. The event at which discussions centered on digital financial inclusion, capacity building, and policy harmonization was attended by over 100 women and youth in cross-border traders from Nigeria, Gambia, Ghana, Niger, Senegal, Mali, Mozambique, and Cameroon.

Policymakers, financial experts, and industry leaders who spoke at the event underlined the vital contributions of women and youth cross-border traders in the economic development of the West African region and proffered actionable strategies to address prevailing challenges associated with cross-border trade in the region and unlock the full potential of cross-border trade in West Africa.

“Women, Youth, Backbone of Cross-Border Trade in West Africa” – NFNV NIGERIA Chief

In her welcome address, Mrs Aishatu Debola Aminu emphasized the importance of women and youth in the cross-border trade sector describing them as the backbone of economic activities in the region, underlining the significance of their contributions to social cohesion and regional development. However, she noted that these groups face persistent challenges, including limited access to financial services and informal practices that stifle their potential.

Mrs Aminu thus reaffirmed NFNV-NIGERIA’s commitment to addressing these barriers through policy advocacy, capacity building, and strategic partnerships, aimed at empowering women and youth cross-border traders to formalize and grow their operations. She expressed NFNV-NIGERIA’s commitment to supporting these categories of traders to unlock their potential and sustain their vital contributions to the region’s economy.

“We believe that through collaborative efforts, we can drive meaningful progress that strengthens cross-border trade and amplifies the voices of women and youth. It is our collective responsibility to advocate for policies that encourage women and youth in cross-border trade to formalize their activities. Doing so will not only unlock greater opportunities for them but will also contribute significantly to regional development and the strengthening AFOACT,” she emphasized.

“ECOWAS Deviated from Economic Integration Mandate” – AFOACT Patron

Dr Fatoumata Jahumpa-Ceesay, High Commissioner of the Republic of the Gambia in South Africa cum Patron of AFOACT, while delivering her opening remarks, reflected on the original mandate of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) which she said was facilitating trade and economic integration in the region, decrying the fact that ECOWAS’s focus had over the years shifted to political mediation and peacekeeping.

Dr Jahumpa-Ceesay said this development hindered the region’s economic progress and prevented West Africa from becoming a key player in global trade. The AFOACT Patron said the region’s potential remains untapped and unrealized in the face of shifting priorities noting that if ECOWAS had stayed true to its founding vision as an economic community the region would have become a trade powerhouse.

“At border points like Senegal and Gambia, you often see women selling small commodities and youth assisting with logistics. These groups have so much potential to play a bigger role in cross-border trade. It’s time to empower them and create platforms for meaningful engagement. With digital tools, we can elevate trade, empower women and young people, and revive ECOWAS’s focus on economic development,” the Gambian Envoy said.

“Imagine sitting in Gambia and trading seamlessly with someone in Nigeria or Côte d’Ivoire. That is the kind of integration we should aim for. This platform has the potential to steer ECOWAS back to its original purpose which is economic development and trade for the benefit of all West Africans. I will be listening closely and engaging as needed to contribute to this vital conversation.”

“We’re Committed to Supporting Women, Youth in Cross-Border Trade,” ECOWAS Director.

In his keynote address, Dr Anthony Elumelu, Director in Charge of Private Sector at the ECOWAS Commission emphasized the significance of the event’s theme, “Empower and Elevate” describing it as more than just a slogan but a shared vision to enable women and youth cross-border traders to thrive and shape the economic trajectory of the region. He acknowledged the vital contributions of this class of traders as the backbone of cross-border trade within West Africa.

Dr Elumelu said women in cross-border trade contribute an impressive $350 billion annually to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of ECOWAS member states, adding that their efforts ensure food security, foster employment, and drive innovation. However, he said, their potential remains largely untapped due to persistent barriers such as limited access to finance, inadequate infrastructure, policy fragmentation, and insufficient digital literacy.

“Digital financial inclusion is not just a tool, it’s a catalyst for empowering traders to scale their businesses, access new markets, and build resilience in an ever-changing world. While 85% of women in cross-border trade have bank accounts, only a third actively use financial services. This gap must be bridged. ECOWAS is committed to ensuring that policy frameworks prioritize inclusivity and sustainability,” he said.

Dr Elumelu reaffirmed ECOWAS’ commitment to championing the cause of women and youth in cross-border trade while highlighting the importance of harmonizing regional policies and standards as well as integrating cross-border trade in continental policies to promote inclusivity. “To the women and youth cross-border traders here today, you are not just participants in trade, you are architects of a stronger, more integrated, and prosperous West Africa. Your vision reminds us why we must continue to empower and elevate your contributions.”

Panel Discussions: Digital Inclusion and Resilience in Cross-Border Trade

The event featured two-panel sessions addressing critical issues for women and youth in cross-border trade. The first, “Driving Digital Financial Inclusion: A Catalyst for Women and Youth,” explored how digital tools can empower traders by enhancing access to markets and financial services. The second, “Building Resilience: Overcoming Challenges in Cross-Border Trade,” tackled barriers like inadequate infrastructure and policy fragmentation while advocating for capacity-building and policy harmonization.

While speaking during the panel discussion, Ms Uche Uzoebo of Shared Agent Network Facilities Limited (SANEF) stressed the importance of optimizing agent networks to address challenges faced by women and youth in cross-border trade, emphasizing key strategies such as capacity building, tailored financial services, mentorship, and addressing gender-specific barriers to create an enabling environment for women and youth cross-border trade to thrive.

Agent networks are decentralized intermediaries that deliver services on behalf of organizations, such as banks or fintech platforms, in underserved or remote areas. These agents bridge the gap between organizations and customers, providing essential services like deposits, withdrawals, money transfers, and bill payments.

“Providing tailored training programs helps women and youth understand trade regulations, market opportunities, and financial management, empowering them to participate effectively. Additionally, partnerships with financial institutions can lead to the development of products like microloans with low interest rates and flexible repayment plans, alleviating financial barriers,” Ms Uzoebo explained.

On her part, Chinasa Collins-Ogbuo of Enhancing Financial Innovation & Access (EFInA), highlighted the critical role of data and research in developing effective policies for digital financial inclusion adding that reliable data drives evidence-based advocacy, which influences policy changes and regulatory frameworks, ensuring inclusivity for cross-border traders.

“A 2023 study revealed how informal cross-border traders heavily rely on cash transactions due to limited digital literacy. Such insights are vital for crafting solutions tailored to their needs. EFInAs’ Access to Financial Services report revealed that 26% of Nigerians remain financially excluded, with rural cross-border traders being particularly underserved. This underscores the need for extensive research and investment in solutions that address these gaps,” she noted.

Mr Adegboyega Adebajo of Amethyst and Ashlar Advisory emphasized the accessibility and affordability of digital financial tools for women and youth in cross-border trade. “Partnerships with mobile network operators are critical as many now have payment service bank licenses and broader reach in rural areas. Digital financial tools can be adapted to basic 2G phones, making them accessible for cross-border traders without sophisticated devices,” he said.

“We must also explore tiered Know Your Customer (KYC) arrangements, allowing traders to participate with minimal documentation. Coupled with agent banking networks and community cooperatives, this approach builds trust and scale, while reducing risks like theft. Microinsurance and microcredit tailored to these traders are essential, particularly in regions prone to theft during transport,” Adebajo emphasized.

The NFNV NIGERIA-AFOACT webinar underscored the need for collaboration and innovation to unlock the full potential of cross-border trade in West Africa. Stakeholders committed to advancing financial inclusion, harmonizing policies, and leveraging digital tools to create a thriving cross-border trade environment in West Africa. Women and youth cross-border traders were recognized as central to regional development and economic integration. 

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