Harnessing opportunities afforded by AfCFTA by looping in women

Women’s role in trade and economic growth is significant and across Africa; they have mostly worked in export-oriented industries like textiles and clothing, agriculture, and tourism. 

For long, women have been stuck in low-paid labour but with increased demand for skills, things are changing. The AfCFTA offers an opportunity for African women to take a deep dive into the opportunities it offers. Women are now taking on more jobs in wholesale and retail trade, finance, business services, and hospitality which have prepared them for the opportunities that the continent offers under the trade agreement.  

Intra-African trade is expected to rise by between 33 per cent and 52 per cent but this is dependent on how much tariff liberalisation takes place between African countries.