Date: 30th September, 2023
Organizer: Young African Policy Research Hub
The Young African Policy Research Hub orchestrated a transformative webinar on “Addressing Potential Barriers to Women and Youth in Trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)” on September 30, 2023. This virtual gathering aimed to spotlight the challenges faced by women and youth in the context of the AfCFTA and propose actionable solutions to foster inclusivity and equitable participation in the burgeoning African trade landscape.
Keynote Speakers:
1. Brendan C. Ugwu, Founder, Young African Policy Research Hub
Brendan C. Ugwu, the visionary founder of the Young African Policy Research Hub, laid the foundation for the webinar. With a background in policy research, Ugwu emphasized the critical importance of addressing barriers to women and youth in the AfCFTA.
2. Patience Munyenyembe: Gender Advocate and Gender Research Associate, Young African Policy Research Hub
Patience Munyenyembe, a Gender Advocate and Research Associate of the Hub, provided nuanced insights into the gender-specific challenges faced by women in the trade sector. Her contributions focused on Barriers to Women and Youth Participation in the AfCFTA Negotiations and Decision-Making processes.
3. Eva Keïta: LLM Graduate, Stanford Law School; Assistant/Clerk for a Judge at the International Court of Justice
Eva Keïta, an expert in international economic law, provided valuable insights into the legal dimensions of addressing trade barriers under the AfCFTA. Drawing on her experiences at the International Court of Justice in The Hague, Keïta enriched the discussion on legal aspects, particularly in the context of the AfCFTA.
4. Eberechukwu Ezike: Founder AfCFTA Dialogues, Chartered Mediator; Corporate and Commercial Lawyer at G. Elias
Eberechukwu Ezike, an advocate for intra-African trade and a First-class Law graduate, contributed a legal and mediation perspective. Her insights focused on Strengthening Trade Facilitation Measures for women in Cross-border trade under the AfCFTA.
5. John Ladu:Trade Policy Research Assistant, Young African Policy Research Hub
John Ladu, a Trade Policy Research Assistant and a finalist of the African Union Youth Month Policy Challenge on AfCFTA, provided fresh perspectives rooted in research. His insights delved into the aspirations and challenges faced by women and youth in Trade in Services within the AfCFTA framework.
6. Olayinka Busari: Trade Policy Research Assistant, Young African Policy Research Hub; Program Officer
Olayinka Busari, a seasoned professional with robust experience in international trade research, shared practical insights. Serving as both a Trade Policy Research Assistant and Program Officer, Busari provided a multifaceted view, particularly on the Barriers to Women and Youth in Intellectual Property (IP) in African Countries.
The collective expertise of these distinguished keynote speakers ensured a comprehensive exploration of the barriers faced by women and youth in trade under the AfCFTA, setting the stage for constructive dialogues and actionable solutions.
Opening Session:
The webinar commenced with an insightful opening session, featuring Brendan C. Ugwu, the Founder of the Young African Policy Research Hub. Ugwu set the tone by emphasizing the importance of addressing gender and youth-related barriers for a truly inclusive and sustainable AfCFTA.
Panel Discussion: Addressing Multifaceted Barriers to Women and Youth in AfCFTA
The singular panel discussion of the webinar brought together diverse perspectives and expertise to comprehensively address the multifaceted barriers faced by women and youth in various aspects of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The discussion unfolded in a structured manner, covering distinct dimensions of trade under the AfCFTA.
Understanding Barriers and Challenges Across Trade Domains:
The initial segment of the discussion focused on dissecting the challenges faced by women and youth across different trade domains, encompassing goods, services, and intellectual property. Panelists engaged in a dynamic conversation, unraveling the complexities surrounding market access, financing, and sociocultural impediments in the trade of goods.
Barriers to Participation in AfCFTA Negotiations and Decision-Making
Transitioning seamlessly, the panel delved into the intricate world of negotiations and decision-making within the AfCFTA. Participants explored the structural impediments hindering the effective involvement of women and youth in these processes. Insights were shared on the need for procedural reforms and inclusive mechanisms to amplify the voices of these demographics in shaping trade policies.
Challenges in Trade in Services and Intellectual Property
The conversation seamlessly extended into the challenges encountered in trade in services and intellectual property. Panelists examined how qualification recognition, accessibility to service sectors, and navigating intellectual property complexities created unique hurdles for women and youth. The discussion aimed to bridge the gap between theoretical policy frameworks and the practical challenges faced on the ground.
Strengthening Trade Facilitation for Women in Cross-border Trade:
The spotlight then turned to practical measures for strengthening trade facilitation, particularly for women engaged in cross-border trade. Panellists explored logistics, customs procedures, and financial accessibility, emphasizing actionable recommendations. The discussion sought to identify tangible solutions to enhance the ease of conducting cross-border trade for women and youth.
Promoting Inclusivity in Intellectual Property Matters:
The panel concluded by dissecting the complexities of intellectual property within the AfCFTA. It tackled legal intricacies, resource accessibility, and the role of education and awareness in fostering active participation by women and youth in shaping intellectual property policies.
Key Takeaways Elaboration
1. Intersectionality of Challenges:
The panel emphasized that the challenges faced by women and youth in trade within the AfCFTA are not isolated but interconnected. For instance, barriers in the trade of goods might impact or exacerbate challenges in trade in services or intellectual property. This recognition of the interrelated nature of challenges underscored the importance of adopting a holistic and integrated approach to address these issues. Solutions, therefore, must consider the broader context and the potential ripple effects of policies and interventions across various trade sectors.
2. Policy Reforms:
Insights were shared on the imperative need for policy reforms to dismantle structural barriers. The panel acknowledged that certain institutional and systemic obstacles impede the full participation of women and youth in trade. This key takeaway emphasizes the call for deliberate changes in existing policies to create an inclusive environment, particularly in negotiations and decision-making processes. Reforming policies becomes crucial for ensuring that the AfCFTA is not only a framework on paper but a dynamic and adaptive instrument that actively promotes gender and youth inclusivity.
3. Practical Solutions:
The discussions culminated in the identification of actionable recommendations aimed at strengthening trade facilitation. This takeaway emphasizes the shift from theoretical discussions to pragmatic measures that can be implemented on the ground. Concrete and practical solutions were explored to empower women and youth engaged in cross-border trade. These may include streamlining customs procedures, improving logistics, and facilitating access to financial services, among other tangible actions.
4. Empowering Through Education:
Education emerged as a powerful tool for breaking down barriers, particularly in intricate areas like intellectual property. The panel recognized that raising awareness and enhancing educational opportunities play a pivotal role in empowering women and youth. By fostering a better understanding of trade policies, legal frameworks, and intellectual property rights, education becomes a catalyst for increased participation. This takeaway underscores the importance of investing in educational programs and initiatives to equip women and youth with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the complexities of the AfCFTA.
These key takeaways collectively emphasize the need for a comprehensive and dynamic approach to addressing the challenges faced by women and youth in the AfCFTA. By recognizing the interconnected nature of these challenges, advocating for policy reforms, offering practical solutions, and empowering through education, the panel discussions laid the groundwork for actionable strategies and a more inclusive future for African trade.
Q&A Session:
A lively and engaging Q&A session followed the panel discussions, allowing participants to interact with the speakers and seek clarifications on various topics.
Closing Remarks:
In his closing remarks, Sebastian Ihonde, Education Research Associate, expressed gratitude to the speakers, participants, and sponsors for their valuable contributions to the webinar. He emphasized the importance of translating the insights gained from the discussions into actionable policies and initiatives.
Way Forward
The webinar concluded with a commitment to continue the dialogue and collaborate on concrete actions to address the identified barriers. The Young African Policy Research Hub announced plans for further research, policy advocacy, and capacity-building programs to support women and youth in realizing their full potential within the AfCFTA framework. The event’s success lies not only in the depth of analysis provided by the keynote speakers but also in the commitment to turning these insights into tangible positive changes for women and youth in African trade.
