Nana Oye Bampoe Addo calls for stronger AfCFTA support for women traders

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• Patricia Odin ( Agric Development Initiative ADI) 1 month ago

  I think what Nana Oye Bampoe Addo highlighted is an important and timely call — not just for Ghana but for the wider African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) initiative. Her emphasis on strengthening AfCFTA support for ...
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  I think what Nana Oye Bampoe Addo highlighted is an important and timely call — not just for Ghana but for the wider African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) initiative. Her emphasis on strengthening AfCFTA support for women traders points to a real structural gap in how the agreement is currently implemented: although women are among the most active participants in cross-border trade, especially in informal markets, many still lack access to finance, simplified procedures, and the support systems needed to truly benefit from the deal.
  In my view, this appeal goes beyond gender advocacy — it’s about economic inclusion and equity. If AfCFTA is going to deliver on its promise of a stronger, more integrated African economy, it must deliberately address the barriers faced by those who drive trade on the ground. Women traders are often the backbone of intra-African trade networks, yet they remain underserved by policy frameworks and support systems. Strengthening targeted support — whether through easier border procedures, better access to affordable credit, digital tools, or training — can significantly expand their opportunities and, in turn, boost the entire continent’s economic dynamism.
  What I appreciate about her call is that it pushes policymakers to move beyond well-meaning rhetoric about inclusion and towards practical, resourced action that ensures women don’t just participate in trade, but thrive in it.

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