100 youths trained to leverage exports through AfCFTA

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in collaboration with Lelook Bags Academy, has trained 100 Nigerian youths in bag making and other accessories as part of efforts to boost exports and leverage the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

UNDP Resident Representative for Nigeria, Ms Elsie Attafuah, who stated this at the graduation ceremony of the students in Abuja, yesterday, emphasised the importance of leveraging AfCFTA to foster intra-African trade and economic growth.

“The potential of AfCFTA is enormous as intra-African trade remained at a mere 16.6 per cent of the continent’s population of 1.4 billion. Therefore, Nigeria, as the continent’s largest economy, engaged in only about 10 per cent of this trade will indicate substantial room for growth because there is a need to connect individuals to opportunities, markets and knowledge, with a particular focus on supporting women’s roles in trade,” she said.

Addressing the graduates, the founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Lelook Bags Academy, Mrs Chinwe Ezenwa, emphasised the significance of discipline, continuous learning and innovation.

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 She urged them to view their acquired skills as instruments to break cycles of poverty, build generational wealth and create lasting impact, urging them to be proactive in building opportunities and leading change, emphasising that Africa’s development in trade would be significantly driven by women.”