By Hajj Ganiyu Mutiu (Snr Correspondent)
A Research conducted by International Lawyer and African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Agreement expert, Professor Muhammed Tawfiq Ladan, examined the AfCFTA Protocol on Women and Youth in Trade, the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa, and Nigeria’s National Gender Policy (2021-2026).
Article 8(3) of the AfCFTA Agreement mandates Member States to establish additional instruments necessary to further the AfCFTA’s objectives. This provision recognizes the vast potential of women and youth in promoting socio-economic development through trade.
The AfCFTA Protocol has three key objectives: supporting and enhancing effective participation of women and youth in intra-African trade, improving their inclusion in trade within AfCFTA implementation, and strengthening their capacity in trade.
The Protocol applies to all trade policies, activities, and interventions supporting women and youth within the AfCFTA framework. This comprehensive approach ensures a conducive environment for their empowerment.
The rationale behind the Protocol is to harness the potential of women and youth in trade, promoting socio-economic development in Africa. Member States recognize the systemic, structural, and financial challenges faced by women and youth.
To address these challenges, the AfCFTA Protocol aims to create opportunities for women and youth to thrive. The Protocol’s scope encompasses all trade policies, activities, and interventions supporting women and youth within the AfCFTA framework.
Professor Ladan’s comparative study of the AfCFTA Protocol, African Charter, and Nigeria’s National Gender Policy revealed convergence on upholding human rights. Although the instruments differ slightly in scope, they share a common goal.
Specifically, the AfCFTA Protocol focuses on eliminating systemic challenges faced by women and youth in trade. In contrast, the AU Protocol enforces women’s rights recognition, while the National Gender Policy institutionalizes gender equality.
The study concludes that all three instruments establish provisions for human rights, differing slightly in scope. This harmonization of policies and protocols paves the way for meaningful development.
“Africa recognizes women’s rights as essential human rights,” Professor Ladan emphasized. “Africa acknowledges women’s and youth’s vital role in socio-economic development. The AfCFTA Protocol creates opportunities for them to thrive.”