This article was prepared with support from the United Nations Economic Commission (ECA) in Africa
The success of the African Continental Free Trade Area will largely depend on the involvement of young people, said speakers at the COM2025 side event held to discuss AFCTFA work for young people in Africa.
When the session began, Adejumobi, director of ECA's strategic planning, monitoring and outcomes, said that for young people, who make up nearly 70% of the continent's population, it is essential to play a key role in the distribution of new trades raised by the contract.
“AFCFTA mainstream African youth are not only a developmental issue, but also a democratic issue. If youth make up such a large part of our population, they have the right to be at the table,” he said.
ECA Executive Director Claver Gatete said trade should end structural issues and ensure its prosperity. He argued that the AFCFTA will allow the continent to add value to natural resources and create future industries.
“Youths play a big role in ensuring they are 15% to 30% or 60% of intra-African trade,” he said, adding that free trade areas will create more jobs for young people in different sectors and increase opportunities to build their own businesses.
Therefore, the purpose of this event was to hear the voices of young people.
Behning Ahmed, executive director of the Pan African Youth Union, expressed his appreciation of the youth for their efforts to include them in their decision-making.
Noting that young people on the continent are some of the most innovative people everywhere, Ahmed called on the government to coordinate with them in policy making.
“Our governments must begin to use youth at all levels, particularly in economic policy and fiscal and monetary policy regimes. It's a way that their ingenuity will come to the forefront and enable us to grow, develop this continent and create the quality of life we need as Africans,” he said.
