AFCFTA: ECOWAS urges equal opportunity for women entrepreneurs

The ECOWAS Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture, Mrs Massandje Toure-Litse, has advocated for equal opportunity for women to achieve the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AFCFTA).

She made the call at the opening ceremony of a regional meeting on trade and gender in Abuja on Tuesday.

Toure-Litse said until women, who make up half of the subregion population, are fully integrated, the much-desired development may continue to be a dream.

According to her, it is estimated that 70% of informal cross-border trade in Africa is conducted by women traders, adding that women-owned businesses often struggle to access export markets

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She said trade policies frequently overlook gender-specific dates and descriptives, exacerbating existing inequalities.

“Addressing these disparities is crucial for promoting inclusive and equitable trade practices, unlocking the protection of women entrepreneurs and workers, and ensuring the international trade benefit for all members of society.

“A well-crafted action plan will definitely contribute to achieving the Vision 2050, AfCFTA, the AU Agenda 2063 as well as the Sustainable Development Goals.”

She said the entry into force of AfCFTA had culminated in great opportunities for increased intra-African trade, and solicited necessary steps for it to provide equal opportunities for men and women.

“In this regard, the regional AfCFTA implementation strategy aims to achieve objectives such as gender equality and structural transformation of state parties.

“Specifically, the strategy aims to contribute to positive gender and youth impact of AfCFTA through women and youth led-business activities, employment and social protection as well as informal cross-border traders,” she added.

Declaring the event opened, Nigeria’s Minister of Trade and Industry, Doris Uzoka-Anite, said that mainstreaming gender in regional trade policies would lead to creating a prosperous and equitable trade.

Represented by the ministry’s Director, Special Duties, Dr Simon Omo-Ezomo, the minister said that gender trade mainstreaming was in line with the Federal Government’s trade facilitation policy.

On his part, Mr Gauthier Mignot, the EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, said: “Today’s focus on mainstreaming gender in national trade policies and initiatives is not only timely but essential.

“Ensuring that women are empowered and have equal opportunities in business is a cornerstone of sustainable economic growth. The EU’s gender policy emphasizes the importance of gender equality as a fundamental human right and a driver for economic progress.

“We believe that by integrating gender perspectives into trade policies, we can create a more inclusive and resilient economic environment.”