Implementing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)

This initiative aims to increase intra-African trade flows in goods and services in an inclusive and environmentally-friendly manner. This will be achieved through the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The project will specifically address the gender dimension through the issue of inclusion. In general it aims to be an important element in Africa's economic recovery. Project activities include: (1) collecting annual data on agreed indicators according to defined methodologies; (2) developing knowledge products on gender equality and inclusion; (3) translating and transferring knowledge documents on gender equality and inclusion to key stakeholders; and 4) mobilizing key stakeholders on gender equality and inclusion.

The expected outcomes of this project include: (1) improved implementation by national governments and regional economic communities (RECs) of inclusive reforms action plans and frameworks. These initiatives must be environmentally friendly and complementary in the context of the AfCFTA agreement; (2) reduced trade-related gender discrimination and gender-based barriers. This should promote the implementation of trade policy at African Union (AU) REC and country levels; and (3) increased participation of private sector operators and civil society organizations including women entrepreneurs traders and organizations in regional and continental dialogues on the AU's trade agenda.