The Ghana Chamber of Young Entrepreneurs (GCYE), with support from the German Corporation for International Cooperation GmbH (GIZ) through its AfCFTA support programme, has initiated a series of stakeholder dialogues aimed at leveraging the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) protocol for the benefit of women and youth.
Spearheaded by Bizgrotec, a renowned consultancy firm known for its innovative business growth and technology solutions, these dialogues unfolded across key cities such as Kumasi, Tamale, Takoradi, and culminated in Accra on April 8th, 2024, at the GCYE Head Office in Madina Estates.
The primary objectives of these dialogues were twofold: to solicit insights, inputs, and recommendations from women and youth-led businesses regarding the nuances of the AfCFTA Women and Youth protocol, and to collaboratively devise strategies to enhance the participation of young and female entrepreneurs in the evolving opportunities presented by the AfCFTA.
Each venue buzzed with enthusiasm and a shared vision as Sherif Ghali, CEO of the chamber, welcomed attendees and articulated a call for unity and collective action. His opening remarks underscored the importance of supporting young entrepreneurs in harnessing the potential of the AfCFTA, emphasizing the pivotal role of stakeholders in shaping Ghana’s economic future.
“As AfCFTA prepares to outdo itself with the unveiling of its women and youth protocol, it is imperative that we, as stakeholders in Ghana’s future, join hands to support our young entrepreneurs in harnessing these opportunities,” Mr. Ghali articulated.
These dialogues mark a proactive step towards ensuring that the AfCFTA agreement transcends its status as a mere trade document to become a transformative instrument that empowers marginalized groups such as women and youth in the economic sphere. Through collaborative engagements, the chamber aims to lay the groundwork for inclusive and sustainable business growth reflective of Ghana’s diverse demographics.
As discussions unfolded, participants explored the intricacies of the AfCFTA protocol and its potential impacts, deliberating on strategies to align their business models with its objectives. Stakeholders from various sectors, including regulatory bodies such as the Ghana Standards Authority, Ghana Enterprise Agency, and the Food and Drugs Authority, as well as academic institutions like the University for Development Studies and KNUST, contributed expertise and experiences to the dialogue.
The collective brainstorming session is anticipated to yield innovative strategies that enable young and female entrepreneurs to thrive under the AfCFTA, positioning Ghana as a frontrunner in the regional economy.
The outcomes of these dialogues are poised to inform policy formulation and implementation strategies, ensuring that the benefits of the AfCFTA are fully realised by Ghana’s women and youth.
As the country anticipates the official unveiling of the AfCFTA Women and Youth protocol, the groundwork laid by these discussions promises a more inclusive and prosperous era for Ghanaian entrepreneurs.
