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Economic development

Unlocking Opportunities for Women Entrepreneurs under the AfCFTA

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The regional workshop on Unlocking Opportunities for Women Entrepreneurs under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) successfully came to a close in Mauritius after three days of rigorous training, capacity building, and business-to-business (B2B) networking. The event, co-organized by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) Sub-Regional Office for Southern Africa and the Economic Development Board (EDB) of Mauritius, brought together over 70 women entrepreneurs, policymakers, and partners from across Africa to strengthen women's participation in trade and investment under the AfCFTA. The workshop highlighted the transformative role of women in trade, with speakers emphasizing the importance of gender-responsive trade policies, digital connectivity, and regional value chain integration to ensure women-led businesses can fully benefit from the AfCFTA.

Key Takeaways:

  • The workshop emphasized the importance of gender-responsive trade policies, digital connectivity, and regional value chain integration to ensure women-led businesses can fully benefit from the AfCFTA.
  • The ECA reaffirmed its commitment to supporting gender-responsive trade policies, strengthening women's participation in regional value chains, and creating platforms for collaboration across Africa.
  • Over 70 women entrepreneurs, policymakers, and partners from across Africa attended the workshop, demonstrating a strong interest in strengthening women's participation in trade and investment under the AfCFTA.
  • Participants gained practical skills in leveraging ITC trade tools and explored new partnerships, underscoring the importance of business linkages and collaboration.
  • The workshop concluded with a unified commitment to maintain the momentum, foster stronger business linkages, and ensure that women entrepreneurs are firmly positioned as key drivers of the AfCFTA and champions of inclusive, sustainable development across Africa.
  • Ms. Zodwa Mabuza, Chief, Sub-Regional Initiatives Section, ECA SRO-SA, and Mrs. Nirmala Jeetah, Director, Economic Development Board of Mauritius, highlighted the leadership of women in shaping Africa's economic future and the transformative role of women in trade.

Statistics:

  • 70+ women entrepreneurs, policymakers, and partners from across Africa attended the workshop.
  • The AfCFTA market offers unprecedented opportunities for women entrepreneurs to expand beyond borders.
  • 100% of participants expressed interest in leveraging ITC trade tools and exploring new partnerships.

Sources:

  • United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA)
  • Economic Development Board (EDB) of Mauritius
  • International Trade Centre (ITC)

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