The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is set to convene the HerAfCFTA Regional Conference on Monday, 29 June 2026, alongside the 2026 African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Council of Ministers Meeting to promote women’s leadership in business in Africa.
This was disclosed in a statement issued by the UNDP on Friday stressing that the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is transforming Africa’s economic landscape by creating a single market of more than 1.4 billion people with a combined GDP exceeding US$3 trillion.
The statement added that beyond expanding trade, AfCFTA presents a unique opportunity to strengthen regional value chains, accelerate industrialization, attract investment and create quality jobs across the continent.
“Realizing this vision, however, requires ensuring that women-owned businesses and small- and medium-sized enterprises are equipped to participate competitively in regional and continental markets.
“As Africa marks five years of AfCFTA implementation, the focus is shifting from policy to action: building productive capacity, expanding market access, strengthening regional value chains and unlocking investment that enables African enterprises to scale,” the statement said.
Nigeria, as Africa’s largest economy and one of the continent’s most dynamic innovation and entrepreneurship hubs, is uniquely positioned to drive this transformation and demonstrate how trade can accelerate inclusive and sustainable development, the statement added.
The Conference will be hosted by the United Nations Assistant Secretary-General, UNDP Assistant Administrator and Regional Director for Africa, Ms. Ahunna Eziakonwa, together with the Honourable Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, in collaboration with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat.
The HerAfCFTA Regional Conference will bring together Ministers of Trade from Ghana, Namibia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, policymakers, women entrepreneurs, private sector leaders, financial institutions, development partners and regional organizations across the continent, the statement said.
Key representatives from Nigeria include: Federal Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development – Honourable Imaan Sulaiman- Ibrahim; Federal Minister of Foreign Affairs – Honourable Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu; Federal Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy- Honourable Barr. Hannatu Musa Musawa
