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A summary blog of discussions with Emolot Allan David, Chairperson of the Independent Continental Youth Advisory Council on the AfCFTA on Tek4Peace Africa YouTube Channel

In a rapidly changing global landscape, the intersection of trade, peace, and youth empowerment has never been more crucial for Africa’s future. On this episode of Tek4Peace Africa, we engaged with Emolot Allan David, the Chairperson of the Independent Continental Youth Advisory Council on the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) on the transformative potential of the AfCFTA and the vital role of young people in shaping the continent’s trajectory.

Watch the full conversation here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TFNrJqo2xG4

The Promise of AfCFTA: A Gateway to Economic Prosperity

The AfCFTA is one of the most ambitious initiatives undertaken by the African Union. It aims to create a single market across the continent, allowing for the free movement of goods, services, and people. However, as David highlighted, despite its significance, many young Africans remain unaware of the opportunities the trade agreement presents.

“The AfCFTA is designed to be a game-changer,” David explained, emphasizing that it’s not just an agreement for elites and development partners as many think but a powerful tool for young people and women across Africa to access new markets and create wealth. The agreement, which has been ratified by more than 40 member states, is set to remove trade barriers and lower the costs associated with cross-border trade. For entrepreneurs in the continent, this means greater access to regional markets and the ability to expand their businesses beyond national borders.

One of the most exciting aspects of the AfCFTA is its potential to inject money into the pockets of young Africans. As David pointed out, the agreement is about more than just high-level policy—it’s about tangible economic opportunities. “You don’t need a degree to benefit from the AfCFTA,” he said. “All you need is the language of money—understanding how to trade and exchange goods.”

However, during the conversation, he also acknowledged that significant challenges remain, particularly in terms of information dissemination. The AfCFTA, while promising, is still not well understood at the grassroots level. To address this, the Youth Advisory Council is working to localize the agreement in various African languages, ensuring that young people from all corners of the continent can grasp its benefits and participate in its implementation.

Navigating the Challenges: Currency, Conflict, and Connectivity

The discussion also dived into some of the major obstacles that could hinder the success of the AfCFTA, including currency differences, security issues, and the need for better connectivity across Africa.

One of the primary challenges is the lack of a common currency across the continent. Differing exchange rates and the relative strength of currencies can and have been seen to previously complicate trade on the continent. However, the African Union has introduced the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) to address this issue. This platform allows for seamless transactions between different currencies, reducing the need for costly currency exchanges and making cross-border trade more accessible for entrepreneurs.

Security and porous borders are another significant concern. With ongoing conflicts in various regions, the risk of violence spilling over into neighboring countries poses a real threat to the AfCFTA’s success. Yet, our guest on Tek4Peace Africa sees an opportunity within this challenge. He passionately advocates for the role of youth in trade as peacebuilders. “Even in war zones, trade still exists,” he noted. “The fact that people are willing to cross into conflict areas to trade shows that they are, in essence, peace ambassadors.”

David’s vision is to harness this inherent bravery and resilience among young traders, using their efforts to foster peace and stability across the continent. By providing targeted training and support, the Council aims to empower these youth as drivers of both economic growth and peace, leveraging their unique position as neutral, external parties in conflict zones.

The Role of Technology: Connecting and Empowering Africa’s Youth

Technology plays a pivotal role in realizing the potential of the AfCFTA, particularly in terms of reaching and empowering young people. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the importance of digital platforms became very apparent, as businesses moved online and the demand for e-commerce soared. Recognizing this, the AfCFTA includes a protocol on digital trade that aims to enhance the capacity of young Africans to engage in the digital economy.

However, challenges remain, particularly around access to affordable internet. Many African countries still struggle with high data costs and limited connectivity, which can stifle the entrepreneurial spirit of young people. African governments are challenged to be more intentional in reducing data costs and improving internet access, noting that this is essential for leveraging the full potential of the AfCFTA. Moreover, David stressed the need for youth representation in governance structures. “We need youthful leaders who can translate the needs of young people into policies,” he said. “Having young voices in the decision-making process ensures that the issues affecting the youth are addressed effectively.”

Mobilizing for a Prosperous Africa

The YouTube conversation concluded with a powerful call to action. David emphasized that the future of Africa hinges on the active participation of its youth in every facet of society—economic, social, and political. The AfCFTA is a critical tool in this endeavor, but its success depends on young people taking ownership of the agreement and demanding that their governments fully implement its provisions.

“We need to create a civic responsibility in our young people,” he urged. “They must understand that their governments have signed and ratified this agreement for their benefit. It’s time for them to demand the support they need to take full advantage of it.”

The AfCFTA represents a historic opportunity for Africa’s youth to drive the continent’s economic and social development as well as be a key driver of promoting peace. By engaging with the agreement and leveraging the tools it provides, young people can become the architects of a more prosperous and peaceful Africa.

Watch the full conversation here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TFNrJqo2xG4

The time for Africa’s youth to act is now. Let’s harness the power of trade, technology, and peace to build a brighter future for all.

RESOURCES FOR YOU ON THE AfCFTA

1. https://au.int/en/african-continental-free-trade-area
2. https://nai.uu.se/stories-and-events/news/2023-06-30-unlocking-africas-trade-potential.html
3. https://www.youlead.africa/downloads/AfCFTA%20Youth%20Inclusion%20Study%20Report.pdf
4. https://african.business/2022/05/trade-investment/what-you-need-to-know-about-the-african-continental-free-trade-area
5. https://intracen.org/es/node/348823
6. https://papss.com/