Market research is key to success for young entrepreneurs.

What trade prospects does the AfCFTA present for African youth?

The AfCFTA holds immense potential. Imagine what it means when people across Africa can finally access a single market for goods and services! The removal of trade barriers presents opportunities for young people looking for new markets. They are entrepreneurial, open-minded and view risk differently.

We trade a lot with Europe, China and other regions, but now we are increasing the potential for a young Kenyan farmer or entrepreneur to find a new market for Kenyan tea in Nigeria or Morocco or to access Moroccan mint tea for sale in the Kenyan market. That is a big opportunity.

The AfCFTA also promotes investment and industrialization, and so it's also about increasing openings for jobs in manufacturing and tapping into new value chains in agriculture or technology. One of the most exciting aspects is AfCFTA's emphasis on the digital economy, which encourages young entrepreneurs to leverage technology in e-commerce and scale up.

While AfCFTA's primary objective is to foster intra-African trade and boost economic growth, the dream of many young Africans is to travel to other countries. We often think of travel in overseas terms, but the AfCFTA's protocol on free movement of people within Africa can be a game changer. If young people can trade, travel and find jobs on the continent, they will contribute to the prosperity of Africans.

Is the emphasis on women and youth necessary in promoting youth in trade?

Yes. We are a very young continent. Experts tell us that more than 60 per cent of the continent's population is young and about 50 per cent is female. Youth and women represent the majority of those who manage small and medium enterprises and start-ups. This makes these two demographics key drivers of trade.

By actively engaging women and youth in trading goods and services, we pave the way for inclusive economic growth. They are our present and our future.

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