The West African Association for Cross-Border Trade in Agro-sylvo-pastoral and Fisheries Products (WACTAF) will take part in the upcoming Youth in Trade Conference scheduled for Friday, August 29, 2025, at the Mövenpick Hotel in Dakar, Senegal.
The event, themed “Youth in Trade: Empowering Youth-Led Enterprises to Navigate the Challenges in Food Trade in Africa”, is being organized in partnership with AGRA and the ECOWAS Commission. It will bring together stakeholders from across the region’s agri-food trade sector to discuss and recommend strategies aimed at improving the efficiency, inclusivity, and sustainability of regional food trade, with a special focus on youth and young women entrepreneurs.
While youth-led enterprises remain critical to Africa’s economic future, young traders continue to face major barriers. These include persistent non-tariff restrictions, limited access to education and financial services, and the prevalence of informal trading practices. Such obstacles hinder their ability to contribute effectively to regional markets and to benefit fully from cross-border trade opportunities.
WACTAF’s participation is aligned with its mission to support youth and women in trade. The association is currently implementing a project titled “Strengthening the Participation of Women and Youth in Cross-Border Trade in West Africa”, supported by AGRA. The initiative is part of the broader AOCTAH 2030 Strategic Plan, which seeks to build a fairer and more inclusive regional trade system across West Africa and the Sahel, driven by the active involvement of women and youth.
By joining this conference, WACTAF reaffirms its commitment to creating a more equitable business environment where young entrepreneurs can thrive, contribute to food security, and promote economic resilience across the region.
