On Africa Youth Day, the Continental President of AfCFTA Young Entrepreneurs joined distinguished guests, including The Hon. Minister for Youth and Sports of Ghana, the Director for Institutional Matters and Programme Coordination at AfCFTA, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the National Youth Authority of Ghana, Presidents of various youth organizations, and more.

Hosted by the African Union Women and Youth Directorate, the event marked the launch of their next-level project at the continental Secretariat of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) on Tuesday, 7th November, themed "One Million Next Level is Knocking: Youth-led Movements that Transcend Borders," showcasing the impact of youth-led initiatives driving positive change beyond national boundaries.

As we are aware, the African Union is committed to the economic emancipation of African women and youth, exemplified by initiatives like the Women and Youth Financial and Economic Inclusion (WYFEI) program by 2030.

Africa envisions a future where both genders contribute equally to society, with Aspiration 6 of Agenda 2063 emphasizing people-driven development, relying on the potential of women and youth.

The program underscores the importance of gender and youth mainstreaming for an inclusive Africa, where the voices of the 75% population of women and youth are heard at decision-making tables, aligning with the African Union's constitutional commitment and fundamental human rights.

Despite progress, African women and youth have endured cycles of poverty due to various factors. To overcome these challenges, the African Union advocates for policies and legal frameworks providing broader opportunities for women and youth, aiming for their economic empowerment and the continent's sustainable development.

Key frameworks include the AU Strategy for Gender Equality & Women’s Empowerment, the Maputo Protocol, SDGEA, the African Youth Charter, and the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child.

This celebration highlights the crucial role of youth in achieving the aspirations of the African Union Agenda 2063, emphasizing entrepreneurship as a driving force for youth emancipation from poverty. The peak of the event was marked by the launch of a 1 million next-level initiative in Ghana.

Prince Siita Sofo Hissan, President of AfCFTA Young Entrepreneurs Federation (AfYEF), stressed the need to actively engage and support African youth in seizing opportunities, stating, “Opportunities won't come to us; we must actively seek them. To achieve the African Union Agenda 2063, we must play an essential role. Let's engage and make it happen.”

“On behalf of the African youth, we express our gratitude for the immense support from Ms. Prudence Nonkululeko Ngwenya, the Director of Women, Gender, and Youth at the African Union, Joshua K. Quaye of Youth Engagement Associate, Ms. Janice Zibusiso Gugu Khumalo, Arlette Akingeneye, and the entire team at the African Union Commission”.