African Continental Free Trade Area could expand opportunities for women, say ATPC-SADC webinar panelists

Abstract

The African Trade Policy Centre (ATPC) of the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), the Southern African Development Community (SADC)-Women in Business, and the SADC Business Council webinar on women’s participation in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) on 12 November closed with an assurance to bridge the gender gap on the continent. With the theme: "Women and private sector engagement in inclusive AfCFTA implementation: Views from SADC", the webinar featured panel discussions with public and private sector stakeholders to understand how the implementation of the AfCFTA can support gender equality and women’s economic empowerment from a regional perspective. The AfCFTA agreement entered into force on 30 May 2019 after 22 countries ratified the treaty – the minimum number required by the treaty.