By Sarah Mohmoh
Abuja, June 14, 2025: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing youth diplomacy and strengthening regional leadership towards the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
AfCFTA is a trade agreement that aims to create single market for goods and services across the continent, fostering greater economic integration among African nations.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar disclosed this in a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media and Communications, Alkasim Abdulkadir, on Saturday in Abuja.
The statement is against backdrop of the West Africa Youth Futures Roundtable themed “AfCFTA and Youth-Led Innovation: Breaking Market Barriers.”
It was organised by the ministry, in collaboration with Abuja and Lagos Global Shapers Hubs – youth initiatives of the World Economic Forum.
The minister described the roundtable as strategic to the upcoming West Africa Economic Summit (WAES), from June 20 to June 21.
The roundtable provided platform for youth to engage on how AfCFTA can be harnessed to drive regional integration, innovation and inclusive economic development.
The discussion centered on access to capital and scale for MSMEs, cross-border trade and digital platforms and Innovation ecosystems for youth employment.
The event featured remarks by the Senior Special Adviser to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Simi Fajemirokun, reiterating the ministry’s commitment to trade diplomacy that enables youth participation and MSME growth.
Also, Amb. Oluremi Oliyide, Director of Planning, Research, and Statistics, stressed the importance of innovation as a tool for regional competitiveness and job creation.
The event also featured insights from a distinguished panel of West African innovators, economists, digital strategists, and youth advocates.
They underscored the need for stronger public-private collaboration, policy harmonisation across borders and an inclusive approach to AfCFTA that acknowledges informal entrepreneurs and rural innovators.
The event attracted not less than 100 young leaders and innovators, who are to co-develop youth-led trade policy recommendations for submission to WAES leaders.
The young leaders also affirmed the centrality of youths in shaping the region’s economic future as essential role to regional economic strategy.
