As we come to the close of this Pre-ADIF Forum Virtual Webinar series, I would like to underscore the central message of today’s discussion: unlocking regional value chains is not only an economic opportunity, it is a youth employment strategy.
Under the theme “Unlocking Regional Value Chains: Empowering Youth-Led Enterprises in Africa to Thrive under AfCFTA,” we have examined both the promise and the gaps. We have seen that Africa’s demographic advantage, its young people, can only translate into inclusive growth if youth-led SMEs and startups can access regional markets, productive linkages, finance, and enabling ecosystems. AfCFTA offers the architecture for that transformation, but success will depend on how well we remove the practical barriers that prevent young entrepreneurs from competing and scaling across borders.
On behalf of the Southern Africa Youth Forum (SAYoF), I would also like to briefly highlight several regional initiatives that will be critical to turning AfCFTA opportunities into tangible outcomes for youth-led enterprises. First, we recognize the importance of the SADC SMEs Development and Competitive Strategy (2025-2029), which provides essential policy direction for strengthening the competitiveness, productivity, and market participation of small and medium-sized enterprises, ensuring that young entrepreneurs are not left behind.
Second, we acknowledge the work of SADC-PF Trade, Industry, Finance, and Investment (TIFI) in promoting youth innovation and in supporting trade and industrial development, helping create the enabling conditions for youth-led firms to innovate, scale, and integrate into regional value chains.
Third, we underscore the value of the AfCFTA Protocol on Women and Youth in Trade, which provides a dedicated framework to ensure that youth and women meaningfully participate in trade opportunities through inclusive measures that reduce barriers and enhance access to markets, finance, and business ecosystems.
Fourth, we take note of the Business, Agriculture, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship Cluster of SAYoF in facilitating youth empowerment, innovation, youth SMEs, and regional trade. This year, through the 8th Southern Africa Youth Forum, we are convening in South Africa from 21 to 24 July with a focus on Agriculture, Nutrition, Water, and Youth in Business. A platform for action.
I extend my sincere appreciation to all our partners and collaborators who made this session possible, including the ECA Subregional Office for Southern Africa (SRO-SA) and its leadership, the ECA African Institute for Economic Development and Planning (IDEP), and the Office of the Executive Secretary, whose support has strengthened our collective work and ambition.
To our speakers, thank you for sharing evidence, lessons learned, and promising examples of youth enterprises and trade facilitation models that work. Your insights reinforced the importance of targeted interventions, policy alignment, innovative financing, technology and digitalization, and partnership ecosystems that connect youth entrepreneurs with buyers, suppliers, and enablers across Africa.
To all participants, thank you for your engagement, thoughtful questions, and commitment to turning ideas into action. Your contributions are essential as we move from dialogue toward delivery.
Let us carry forward the momentum into the next stages of our work, especially as we prepare for the Africa Development Impact Forum (ADIF) in Addis Ababa. Together, we must ensure that the outcomes of today translate into a concrete action roadmap with implementation, follow-up, and scale-up commitments that deliver real employment and enterprise growth for African youth.
Once again, thank you to everyone who participated in, contributed to, and supported this webinar. We look forward to building on these discussions with renewed energy and shared responsibility.
Thank you, and enjoy the rest of your day.
Remarks delivered by the Chief Executive Officer of SAYoF -Misheck Gondo
