A Webinar Series | May – July 2025
Organized by the African Trade Policy Centre (ATPC) of ECA
Overview
Africa’s youth represent over 65% of the population and are key drivers of innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable growth. To equip them with the tools and knowledge to fully participate in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the African Trade Policy Centre (ATPC) of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) is launching a webinar series focused on building capacity and awareness among young entrepreneurs.
This three-part series will cover key operational instruments of the AfCFTA, the Protocol on Women and Youth in Trade, digital trade, and mobility—offering actionable insights and real-life case studies.
Objectives
• Raise awareness among youth entrepreneurs on the AfCFTA’s key provisions.
• Build capacity to engage in intra-African trade and cross-border business.
• Highlight how youth can leverage the Protocol on Women and Youth in Trade.
• Explore digital trade opportunities and the Guided Trade Initiative (GTI).
Agenda
🗓️ 15 May 2025
🕒 15:00 – 16:30 EAT
Moderator: Mahlet Girma, Trade Policy Expert, ATPC/UNECA
🔹 Module 1: The AfCFTA and its Key Operational Instruments
Presenter: Moukaila Takpara, Trade Policy Analyst, ATPC/UNECA
🔹 Module 2: Understanding the AfCFTA Protocol on Women and Youth in Trade
Presenter: Nelly Rita Muriuki, Economic Affairs Officer, ATPC/UNECA
💬 Q&A Session
🔚 Close of Session
🗓️ 12 June 2025
🕒 15:00 – 16:30 EAT
Moderator: Nelly Rita Muriuki, Economic Affairs Officer, ATPC/UNECA
🔹 Module 3: Enabling Youth Engagement in the AfCFTA through the Digital Trade Protocol
Presenter: Geoffroy Guepie, Trade Policy Analyst, ATPC/UNECA
🔹 Module 4: Implementation of the AfCFTA and Trading under the Guided Trade Initiative
Presenter: Mahlet Girma, Trade Policy Expert, ATPC/UNECA
💬 Q&A Session
🔚 Close of Session
🗓️ 10 July 2025
🕒 15:00 – 16:00 EAT
Moderator: Moukaila Takpara, Trade Policy Analyst, ATPC/UNECA
🔹 Module 5: AfCFTA and Free Movement of People
Presenter: Aline Kame, UNECA
💬 Q&A Session
🔚 Close of Session
Who Should Attend
• Youth and women entrepreneurs
• MSMEs and start-ups
• Business associations and trade practitioners
• Policymakers and public officials
Certification
Participants who complete all three modules will receive an e-certificate of completion.
Format & Language
The webinars will be held online in English and are free of charge.
Register Now!
Registration link: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_zX7Nl49nTCGugRU54IUBuQ
Contact details:
Moukaila Mouzamilou Takpara moukaila.takpara@un.org
Senait Afework Bekele afeworks@un.org