Dear African Youth,

As we embark on the journey into 2024, I, as the President of the AfCFTA Young Entrepreneurs Federation (AfYEF), extend my warmest greetings and heartfelt wishes for a prosperous New Year.

Reflecting on the accomplishments of 2023, our collective efforts have yielded remarkable results. We partnered the African Continental Free Trade (AfCFTA) Secretariat in organizing the inaugural AfCFTA Youth Summit (AYS) in Lusaka Zambia, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange.

Through strategic partnerships with the Ghana Trade Investment Activity, we conducted training programs in Accra and Tamale, promoting economic empowerment in both the southern and northern sectors of Ghana.

The 'Ghana to the Moon' conference at the World Trade Center was a significant milestone, providing a platform for training, networking, and connecting young entrepreneurs with investors.

Our collaboration with the African Union Gender, Women and Youth Directorate for the African Youth Day at the AfCFTA Secretariat showcased our commitment to continental unity and development.

In 2023, we actively participated in a franchising program organized by the US Commercial Law Department, enhancing our understanding of global business practices.

The 30th-anniversary celebrations and Annual General Meeting of Afreximbank marked another milestone , as we onboarded members into the Mansa Digital Repository platform, opening doors to funding, markets, and valuable resources.

Looking ahead to 2024, AfYEF has ambitious plans with two flagship projects: the Trade Queen Africa Pageant in Ghana, aiming to select exceptional young ladies to champion Africa and promote trade and investment, and the Young Entrepreneurs Summit (YES) in Zambia, a platform for collaborative discussions and knowledge sharing.

Our commitment to youth empowerment remains steadfast. In the coming year, we will continue sensitizing women and youth on the AfCFTA, offering training, networking opportunities, and facilitating access to investments. AfYEF strives to break down barriers that have relegated African youth to the background for far too long, working tirelessly to improve lives and provide equal opportunities.

I express my deepest gratitude to all stakeholders who have supported us on this transformative journey since our inception in 2021. AfYEF has grown to encompass 30 countries, consolidating our capacity to make a lasting impact on the future of our continent.

Here's to a year of growth, collaboration, and empowerment for the African Young Entrepreneur.