Women and youth have lauded the high-level masterclass on Investment and Export Readiness Under AfCFTA as a game-changing training programme to effectively expand their business prospects.
The International Trade Centre (ITC) collaborated with the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), the Organization of Women in International Trade (OWIT), the AfCFTA Secretariat, the African Women & Youth Empowerment Group (AWYEG), and the Commercial Law Development Program (CLDP) to organise the investment and export readiness immersion programme for over 40 women and youth-run and led businesses.
Namibia entrepreneur Maria Shipapo said the Masterclass series was the lift her agro-business, Mistal Foods, needed.
“The whole three-day Masterclass Series was amazing. I realised that there is a lot to do and learn. I have already started getting the right team in place to implement everything I learnt,” said Shipapo.
Mistal Foods conducts soil analysis and offers agricultural programs and integrated pest management for farmers. The growing Namibia company is looking to export bioethanol distilled by its food department.
“The Masterclass session on how to export has opened me to bigger markets across Africa. I am now fully equipped with the knowledge of how to go about exporting my products. I really must thank the International Trade Centre and its partners for making me part of this empowering program,” she said.
The Mistal Foods CEO also used the AfCFTA Business Forum to network.
“I met great business people, especially from Angola. I have been trying to get into that country for a long time, and the trip to South Africa has opened that door for me. I really look forward to entering new markets and growing my business,” said Shipapo.
The glossary unpacks the continental Agreement for stakeholders and empowers small businesses to better understand the legal, commercial and customs terms of the AfCFTA Agreement.
The three-day Masterclass programme provided women and youth-owned businesses with the information they need to take advantage of the new intra-regional opportunities provided by the free trade area. It guided business owners to attract tailored finance and investment, as well as establish business linkages to meet the scale and standard of the continental market.