29/05/2024
📍Windhoek Namibia 🇳🇦
Today, our President and Founder had the privilege of participating in a Ministerial and policy-makers Dialogue discussion focusing on how governments can support and amplify the voices of women for sustainable development and livelihoods.
The AfCFTA Agreement has evidently shown that it is the only Trade Agreement that presents immense opportunities for women which has the potential to blaze the trail for gender transformative intra-African trade through its ever developed Protocol on Women and Youth in Trade.
According to Article 27 of the Protocol on Trade in Services, state parties pledge to improve the “export capacity of both formal and informal service suppliers, with particular attention to micro, small and medium size; women and youth service suppliers“ (Art. 27 (2) (d)). In a similar manner, the Protocol on Investment recognizes the “importance of encouraging investment activities that benefit underrepresented groups, including women and youth” in its preamble, and stipulates a corresponding obligation of the states parties to promote investments that contribute to gender equality and the empowerment of women .
The implementation of this protocol will not only increase women and youth participation in trade but also promote their economic empowerment. This is an important step towards achieving inclusive and sustainable economic growth in Africa.
I encourage all stakeholders to champion the implementation of this groundbreaking protocol and work towards creating a more equitable and thriving trade environment for all. Together, we can make a difference! .🔗📈
