Empowering SMEs, Women & Youth in Africa’s Single Market: Innovate. Collaborate. Trade.
Background
Achieving the vision of the AfCFTA requires the inclusive participation of all demographic economic groups: women, youth, and small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Women constitute nearly 50% of Africa’s labour force and run about 30% of registered businesses, yet they face disproportionate challenges in accessing finance and markets. Similarly, Africa’s youth (a population under 35) representing over 60% of the population, are driving innovation in tech and entrepreneurship but often lack the necessary support structures. SMEs, which account for 80% of employment and 50% of GDP in many African countries, struggle with scalability due to limited access to regional markets. Many African entrepreneurs remain unaware of the opportunities within AfCFTA.
Bridging this gap requires targeted awareness campaigns to empower, digital marketplaces to innovate, and capacity-building programs that enables them to trade within the continent. An inclusive AfCFTA must prioritise policies that enable these groups to thrive through easier trade regulations, digital tools, and targeted funding. These groups collectively represent a significant portion of Africa’s population and economic activity but face systemic barriers limited access to finance, markets, skills, and technology.
Africa Prosperity Dialogues 2026 will explore the critical roles that women, youth, and SMEs can play in advancing Africa’s single market. Particularly, how these groups can be empowered to innovatively access funds and grow within the continent. APD 2026 aims to propose actionable strategies to ensure inclusive participation in the AfCFTA framework by addressing their challenges and harnessing their potential. The 2026 edition of the Africa Prosperity Champions Awards (APCA) will spotlight the achievements of individuals and institutions who are focused on women, youth, and SMEs to driving Africa’s economic integration. Recognising their contributions, the awards will inspire more inclusive policies and private sector investments. The awards will also serve as a call to action for governments and institutions to create an enabling environment for these groups.
Women contribute nearly 50% of Africa’s GDP (UNECA, 2021), yet face systemic barriers in finance, market access, and trade networks. Closing gender gaps in trade could boost intra-African commerce by 15% annually (AfCFTA Secretariat).
Youth represent 60% of Africa’s population (World Bank, 2023), yet unemployment remains alarmingly high. Empowering young entrepreneurs could create 50 million jobs by 2030 (AfDB, 2021).
Showcasing women’s economic leadership – Showcase initiatives that dismantle trade barriers, enhance financial access, and leverage AfCFTA’s Protocol on Women in Trade to unlock over $15 billion in untapped potential.
Harness Africa’s youth dividend – Bridge the skills gap, accelerate digital trade, and connect young entrepreneurs to regional markets—turning demographic potential into real jobs and growth.
