Youth in agribusiness embrace AfCFTA’s potential in boosting trade

The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) represents a transformative opportunity for the continent, particularly in the agricultural sector.

The Consortium of African Youth in Agriculture and Climate Change (CAYACC), and with the support of its esteemed partners—AUC, AUDA-NEPAD, AGRA, USAID POLICY LINK, FAO, WFP, GRZ, and GIZ— are keenly aware of the potential that boosting intra-African agricultural trade in agricultural commodities and services holds for empowering youth, fostering economic growth, and enhancing climate resilience.

Mwaka Namukonda, the Executive Coordinator of CAYACC, shared some key talking points during the African Union Agribusiness Youth Strategy (AAYS) Regional Dialogue for Southern Africa Region running from 1 to 2 August 2024, in Lilongwe, Malawi.

The early experiences of trading under the AfCFTA, as documented by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (2024), demonstrate the critical role of trade in driving economic development. By removing trade barriers and promoting regional integration, the AfCFTA enables African nations to leverage their agricultural strengths, increase market access, and improve food security. For young farmers and entrepreneurs, this integration provides new opportunities for innovation, employment, and income generation.

One of the significant challenges to intra-African trade is the presence of non-tariff measures (NTMs), which can impede the flow of goods across borders. The European Commission’s (2021) analysis of NTMs highlights the need for harmonized standards and regulations to facilitate smoother trade. Addressing these barriers is crucial for ensuring that agricultural products can move efficiently within the continent, benefiting both producers and consumers.

Empowering Africa’s food systems is not just about increasing trade volumes; it’s about creating sustainable and resilient agricultural practices. AGRA’s (2023) focus on future-proofing Africa’s food systems emphasizes the importance of adopting sustainable practices that protect the environment and mitigate the impacts of climate change. For CAYACC, this means advocating for policies and practices that support sustainable agriculture, promote climate-smart farming techniques, and ensure that young people have the skills and resources they need to succeed.

Informal cross-border trade (ICBT) plays a significant role in the African economy, particularly in rural areas. Studies by UBOS (2019) and Zamstat (2021) on ICBT reveal the economic impact and potential of informal trade networks. Formalizing these trade activities can enhance economic stability, improve livelihoods, and provide a more accurate picture of trade dynamics. Supporting informal traders, many of whom are young people, through capacity building and infrastructure development is essential for maximizing the benefits of intra-African trade.

The Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) Biennial Review (AU, CAADP, and AUDA-NEPAD, 2024) provides a framework for monitoring and evaluating progress in agricultural development. Effective implementation of CAADP policies, coupled with the outcomes from AU-EU ministerial conferences on rural transformation, can drive substantial improvements in agricultural productivity and trade. CAYACC advocates for youth involvement in policy discussions to ensure that our perspectives and needs are reflected in these frameworks.

Boosting intra-African agricultural trade under the AfCFTA is a critical pathway to economic empowerment, sustainable development, and climate resilience. As young Africans committed to the future of our continent, CAYACC sees this as an opportunity to harness the potential of agriculture to create jobs, enhance food security, and build a more resilient agricultural sector. By addressing trade barriers, supporting sustainable practices, and involving youth in policy implementation, we can pave the way for a brighter future for African agriculture and its young stakeholders.

CAYACC remains dedicated to driving participation in advocating and formulation of policies and practices that support young people in agriculture, promote intra-African trade, and build resilience to climate change. Together, we can make significant strides towards a prosperous and sustainable agricultural sector in Africa.