01/09/2023
The European TE-TAF project supports African youth in trade to have free trade within the continent
Moment of the symposium
The city of Lusaka in Zambia has hosted the first youth symposium of the future African Continental Free Trade Area, AfCFTA, under the theme “Igniting the Future for Youth in Trade“. This important event was jointly organised by the AfCFTA Secretariat and the Government of the Republic of Zambia. In addition, it was supported by the European project Team Europe Support to AfCFTA (TE-TAF) through FIIAPP and GIZ, as the implementing partners of the project.
According to the UN, Africa has the youngest population in the world, with 70% of sub-Saharan Africa under the age of 30, therefore this symposium was particularly relevant as the AfCFTA can provide young entrepreneurs with the opportunity to expand their businesses, enabling them to create more jobs and contribute to the economic growth of the continent. 
The event served as a platform for young people to learn more about the objectives, principles and scope of the AfCFTA, as well as the opportunities and practical tools offered by this agreement.
The symposium brought together African policy makers who are driving the negotiations and implementation of the AfCFTA agreements in the area of youth in trade. The event was held in a hybrid format, allowing for the participation of policy makers, academics, financial institutions, international organisations, industry experts and media both online and in person.
In addition, this event allowed the AfCFTA Secretariat and other policy actors to hear directly from young people about their challenges and desires, which will be taken into account to guide the implementation of the protocol on women and youth in trade.
In addition, the symposium has featured youth exhibitors who have allowed products and services to be showcased, thus creating links between suppliers and producers.
The TE-TAF project to support AfCFTA and continental economic integration is funded by the European Union, Germany, France and Sweden. The project is implemented by GIZ, Expertise France and FIIAPP and works to improve the capacity to conduct AfCFTA negotiations and to strengthen the technical capacity of selected African countries and institutions to successfully implement the AfCFTA and move towards a single market.
