The Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) has called for inclusive policies to support women and youth entrepreneurs to accelerate African trade development.
The ECA’s principal regional adviser for Regional Integration and Trade Division, Brendah Phiri-Mundia, during the 14th African Congress for Women Entrepreneurs and the fourth COMESA Federation of Women in Business Forum in Addis Ababa.
According to Ms Phiri-Mundia, women and youth have revolutionised entrepreneurship in Africa and are better positioned to boost trade through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Ms Phiri-Mundia said the congress took stock of progress on tackling challenges in accessing economic opportunities faced by women and youth across the African continent. She said AfCFTA, which came into force in May 2019, could advance the global and continental goals on gender equality and women empowerment.
According to the ECA adviser, the full implementation of the free trade area will increase the value…