The inaugural ‘Engine of Trade in Africa report:  Amplifying the voices of women across Africa on how to make the AfCFTA Protocol on Women and Youth in Trade work for development’  is a consolidated regional report drawn from 26 national consultations convened by the AfCFTA Secretariat, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women) in countries across the continent, as well as two online surveys that were launched to gather women’s experiences, challenges and ideas to strengthen their capacities in order to maximize their benefits from AfCFTA-related market openings.

The report provides an in-depth reflection of the experiences of Africa’s women who trade across borders through micro-, small-, medium and large-sized enterprises in both the formal and informal sectors. The report fills the knowledge gap on Africa’s women in trade and how they understand and engage with the AfCFTA, offering a rare opportunity to understand women’s issues in trade, as expressed by the women themselves.