The Agreement establishing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) stands as a powerful testament to Africa's aspirations, breaking down trade barriers and advancing economic integration. The AfCFTA ambitiously aims to establish a One African Market for goods and services, pulsing with 1.3 billion individuals and fostering a combined GDP nearing an impressive  US$ 3.4 Trillion. This opens boundless possibilities, paving the way for shared prosperity and empowerment across the continent.

UNDP is actively engaged in fostering youth leadership across the continent, driven by its commitment to facilitate an inclusive, transformational and sustainable intra-African trade. Its efforts are complemented by a robust partnership with the African Union Commission (AUC), which serves as a cornerstone in empowering young entrepreneurs with essential tools, insights and connections to navigate the vast horizons of the African market.

Once again, the second edition of the UNDP-AUC Youth in Trade Innovation Challenge, launched in 2022, captured significant attention, witnessing an influx of over 2,000 applications from every corner of the continent. This response vividly underscores the motivation and enthusiasm of African youth to actively participate in production and trade and shape the future of trade across the continent.

Of the many applications, 82 finalists were selected to embark on this transformative journey, in October 2022. These champion youth entrepreneurs went through an intensive masterclass that delved into the opportunities presented by the AfCFTA, untangled complex regulatory demands and equipped them with the tools needed to introduce innovative products and services to the broader African market.

The submitted market entry strategies from the finalists underwent a rigorous evaluation by a distinguished panel of trade and investment experts. Among these submissions, a total 15 winners, representing ten African countries, were selected in December 2022. Subsequently, these winners put forth compelling market entry strategies that outlined their plans to grow their businesses into three national or regional African markets within the next five years. These strategies not only displayed innovation but also presented clear pathways to enhanced productivity, job generation and substantial contributions to economic growth and diversification.

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