The official opening of the second global women entrepreneurs trade fair and investment forum: Statement by Ms. Lalla Ben Barka, deputy executive secretary of the economic commission for Africa

Abstract

This statement delivered by Ms. Lalla Ben Barka, Deputy Executive Secretary of the Economic Commission for Africa at the Official Opening of the Second Global women Entrepreneurs Trade and Investment Forum.Ms. Barka, on her remarks highlighted that, in terms of advocacy, the issue of economic empowerment is of the highest priority to ECA. We have been arguing for some time that as long as half of the continent’s population is excluded from effective participation in the development process, the economic crisis that has dogged Africa for almost two decades cannot be reversed, and under such circumstances meaningful development cannot take place. Private sector development is one of the key areas we have prioritized in the context of ECA’s recent restructuring exercise. This Second Global Trade Fair and Investment Forum is a clear demonstration of the resolve of African women entrepreneurs, who we know provide the real backbone to economic activity on our continent, to propel Africa to accelerated higher levels of economic development and growth. The theme of this Second Global Trade Fair remains high on the agenda of our countries.