Women and Trade in Africa

This article discusses the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) and its potential for boosting intra-African trade, while highlighting concerns over its benefits for women. Despite provisions recognizing women’s contributions, gender inequalities persist, restricting their access to opportunities. Women, particularly in informal cross-border trade, face challenges such as limited awareness, poor conditions, and exclusion from formal channels. The article calls for gender-sensitive policies, capacity building, and greater inclusion in decision-making to ensure women fully benefit from AfCFTA, warning that without these interventions, systemic barriers may undermine its potential.