AfCFTA Protocol on Women and Youth: A Blueprint for Inclusive Trade

AfCFTA Protocol on Women and Youth: A Blueprint for Inclusive Trade

By Laura Naliaka

April 16 2025

The African Union’s adoption of the AfCFTA Protocol on Women and Youth in Trade in February 2024 marks a significant step toward inclusive economic integration. This protocol aims to enhance the participation of women and youth in intra-African trade and regional value chains, recognizing their roles as vital to economic growth.​

Key challenges addressed include limited access to finance, where traditional lending practices often exclude women due to high collateral requirements and restrictive land tenure systems. The protocol mandates member states to implement measures improving financial access and literacy.​

Additionally, it tackles regulatory barriers that hinder women and youth from entering external markets, advocating for simplified certification processes and capacity-building initiatives.​

By centering women and youth in trade policies, the protocol seeks to transform Africa’s trade landscape, promoting job creation and shared prosperity

👉 Read the full article: .​UNECA