UNDP and Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment Convene HerAfCFTA Regional Conference to Strengthen Women’s Economic Leadership in Africa

The upcoming HerAfCFTA Regional Conference, scheduled for June 29, 2026, marks a pivotal moment for women’s economic empowerment in Africa. Organized by the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), this event will coincide with the 2026 African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Council of Ministers Meeting. It aims to unite African leaders, policymakers, women entrepreneurs, and private sector representatives to enhance women’s roles in the continent’s economic landscape.

Contextualizing the AfCFTA Initiative

Five years after the launch of the AfCFTA, the conference arrives at a crucial juncture in Africa’s economic integration efforts. With a population exceeding 1.4 billion and a combined GDP surpassing $3 trillion, the AfCFTA presents an unprecedented opportunity to bolster intra-African trade, strengthen regional value chains, and accelerate industrialization. The conference aims to transition from mere policy discussions to actionable solutions that enhance productive capacity, expand market access, and mobilize investments.

The focus will be on empowering African enterprises, particularly women-led businesses and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), enabling them to compete effectively in regional markets. This aligns with the broader goals of the AfCFTA, which seeks to create a single market for goods and services across the continent.

Leadership and Participation

The conference will be hosted by Ms. Ahunna Eziakonwa, the UNDP Assistant Administrator and Regional Director for Africa, alongside Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, Nigeria’s Honourable Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment. Their collaboration with the AfCFTA Secretariat underscores the event’s significance as a high-level platform for fostering partnerships and showcasing practical solutions.

Nigeria’s role in this initiative is particularly noteworthy. As Africa’s largest economy and a hub for entrepreneurship and innovation, Nigeria is positioned to demonstrate how trade and investment can drive industrialization and sustainable development. The participation of Ministers of Trade from Ghana, Namibia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, along with senior government officials and women entrepreneurs, further emphasizes the collaborative spirit of the conference.

Key Discussions and Focus Areas

Discussions at the conference will center on several critical areas:

• Strengthening Women’s Participation: The conference aims to enhance women’s involvement in regional value chains, addressing barriers that hinder their economic contributions.

• Access to Finance and Markets: Expanding access to financial resources and market opportunities is essential for empowering women entrepreneurs and enabling them to scale their businesses.

• Enhancing Export Competitiveness: Fostering an environment that supports export readiness will be crucial for women-owned enterprises looking to compete on a global scale.

• Strategic Partnerships: Building alliances among various stakeholders will facilitate the sharing of resources and knowledge, enabling women-led businesses to thrive.

HerAfCFTA Initiative and Its Implications

The HerAfCFTA initiative, launched by UNDP in 2023, aims to advance women’s economic empowerment through trade, investment, and enterprise development. This framework is designed to support women-led businesses in Nigeria by enhancing their export readiness, facilitating market access, and connecting them with financing opportunities.

The conference serves as a continuation of this initiative, reflecting UNDP’s commitment to fostering economic transformation across Africa. By bringing together governments, businesses, and development partners, the conference aims to ensure that the opportunities created by the AfCFTA translate into tangible outcomes, such as stronger enterprises and quality jobs.

Broader Implications for Africa’s Economic Landscape

The HerAfCFTA Regional Conference is not just a gathering of stakeholders; it represents a strategic effort to reshape Africa’s economic landscape. By focusing on women’s economic leadership, the conference seeks to address long-standing gender disparities in trade and entrepreneurship.

The implications of this initiative extend beyond individual businesses. A more inclusive economic environment can lead to enhanced resilience in regional value chains, contributing to sustainable economic growth across the continent. As women entrepreneurs gain access to resources and networks, they can drive innovation and contribute to job creation, ultimately benefiting communities at large.

The conference will feature notable Nigerian government representatives, including:

• Honourable Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, Federal Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development
• Honourable Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Federal Minister of Foreign Affairs
• Honourable Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa, Federal Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy

Their participation underscores the Nigerian government’s commitment to advancing women’s economic leadership and fostering an inclusive economic environment.

Conclusion

The HerAfCFTA Regional Conference represents a significant step toward realizing the full potential of Africa’s single market. By focusing on women’s economic empowerment, the event aims to create a more equitable and sustainable economic landscape across the continent. The outcomes of this conference will have lasting implications for trade, investment, and entrepreneurship in Africa.

For further details on this initiative, visit the source: www.zawya.com.

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