The Engine of Trade in Africa report showcases women’s experiences and recommendations for equitable growth
| In a groundbreaking joint publication, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and UN Women unveiled a comprehensive report that spotlights the voices of women entrepreneurs across Africa. Titled “The Engine of Trade in Africa: Amplifying the voices of women across Africa on how to make the AfCFTA Protocol on Women and Youth in Trade work for development,” the report dives into the experiences and aspirations of African women in trade and highlights actionable steps to ensure inclusive growth under AfCFTA. The ‘Engine of Trade in Africa’ report emerges as a culmination of 26 national consultations and two online surveys held in various African countries, engaging women from micro, small, medium, and large-sized enterprises in both formal and informal sectors. It paints an in-depth picture of women’s participation in trade and how they perceive and engage with the AfCFTA, offering a rare opportunity to understand women’s perspectives directly from the source. The AfCFTA, a landmark initiative designed to foster economic integration and liberalize trade across Africa, is projected to boost the continent’s income by a staggering US$450 billion by 2035 and increase intra-Africa exports by over 81 percent. Additionally, the trade agreement is expected to lift 30 million people out of extreme poverty and 68 million out of moderate poverty. However, the report highlights existing gender disparities at macro, meso, and micro levels that could undermine women’s ability to fully leverage the opportunities presented by AfCFTA, further reinforcing gender inequalities. Recognizing the need for a more inclusive and supportive trade environment, the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union (AU Assembly) committed to interventions that empower young Africans, women, and small- and medium-sized enterprises. The Protocol on Women and Youth in Trade was subsequently included in the scope of the AfCFTA Agreement during the AU Assembly’s 35th Ordinary Session in February 2022. To address the challenges and amplify the voices of women in trade, the AfCFTA Secretariat, along with UNDP and UN Women, initiated national consultations and online surveys. The key findings of the report underscore several crucial challenges faced by African women in trade: Limited Access to Information and Knowledge: Women entrepreneurs reported inadequate information on market opportunities, customs regulations, and intellectual property rights, hindering their cross-border trade efforts. Limited Access to Productive and Financial Resources: Access to agricultural inputs, technologies, and finance emerged as significant hurdles, with financial institutions often lacking suitable products tailored to women-led businesses. Limited Access to Professional Networks and Associations: Women cited limited access to professional networks as a barrier, contributing to their underrepresentation in leadership positions. Lack of an Enabling Environment for Trade Activities: Bureaucratic customs administration, corruption, and challenges with cross-border transactions and certifications were noted. Impact of COVID-19 on Female Traders: The pandemic exacerbated safety and security issues for women engaged in cross-border trade, with operational changes and testing costs affecting their businesses. Based on the insights gathered, the report offers a series of actionable recommendations to enhance the AfCFTA Protocol on Women and Youth in Trade, create operational instruments to support women in trade, and establish a framework at the national, regional, and continental levels. These recommendations include promoting women’s representation in decision-making processes, establishing one-stop border posts dedicated to women, providing access to education and digital resources, and aligning the protocol with international gender equality frameworks. The report also calls for the establishment of an AfCFTA Gender Observatory and real-time grievance redress mechanisms, among other measures, to empower women in trade and bridge the gender gap. The ‘Engine of Trade in Africa’ report provides a roadmap to unlock the untapped potential of women in trade, helping to ensure that the AfCFTA brings prosperity to all segments of society and paves the way for a more inclusive and sustainable future for Africa. Disclaimer This is an adaptation of an original work by THE AFCFTA SECTRETARIAT, UNDP AND UN WOMEN. Views and opinions expressed in the adaptation are the sole responsibility of the International Trade Law and Gender Research Team of the Young African Policy Research Hub and are not endorsed by The World Bank or World Trade Organization. TO DOWNLOAD THE ENGINE OF TRADE JOINT REPORT OF THE AFCFTA SECTRETARIAT, UNDP AND UN WOMEN CLICK HERE INTERNATIONAL TRADE LAW AND GENDER RESEARCH TEAM OF YAPORH |
