Abuja, Nigeria – The Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment (FMITI), in collaboration with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Regional Bureau for Africa, has officially launched AfCFTA Week 2026 with the inaugural HerAfCFTA Conference.
The conference brought together policymakers, development partners, and business leaders from across Africa to explore strategies for advancing women’s participation in intra-African trade and unlocking the opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area.
Speaking at the opening of the conference, the Honourable Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, joined the Secretary-General of the AfCFTA Secretariat, Wamkele Mene, and the UNDP Regional Director for Africa, Ms. Ahunna Eziakonwa, alongside other senior stakeholders from across the continent.
The event highlighted the critical role of women entrepreneurs in driving Africa’s economic transformation through increased regional trade, investment, and market integration.
According to the minister, Nigerian women entrepreneurs are demonstrating how expanded market access and improved capital mobilization under the AfCFTA framework can accelerate enterprise growth while fostering inclusive economic development across Africa.
She noted that the inaugural HerAfCFTA Conference sets the tone for the activities lined up throughout AfCFTA Week 2026, reinforcing the importance of empowering women-led businesses as key contributors to regional economic integration and shared prosperity.
The conference also served as a platform for dialogue on strengthening cross-border trade, enhancing investment opportunities, and building partnerships that will enable women-owned enterprises to fully leverage the benefits of the African Continental Free Trade Area.
AfCFTA Week 2026 is expected to feature a series of engagements focused on deepening trade collaboration, promoting investment, and advancing Africa’s agenda for sustainable and inclusive economic growth.
