In a significant step toward advancing youth empowerment and trade awareness, TECHFARM Hub recently engaged with the National AfCFTA Coordination Office. The focus of this engagement was to discuss the integration of the AfCFTA Campus Connect Initiative, a program designed to introduce students to the immense opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The Vision: Preparing Youth for Africa’s Trade Revolution
AfCFTA represents a unified market of over 1.3 billion people across 55 countries, offering unparalleled opportunities for economic growth. Through the High School Connect Initiative, TECHFARM Hub aims to bring this vision to life for Ghanaian youth by:
- Introducing students to trade policies and entrepreneurship.
- Equipping them with practical skills to explore opportunities within Africa’s dynamic markets.
- Inspiring innovation and leadership at the grassroots level.
Collaborating for Impact
During the engagement, the National AfCFTA Coordination Office and TECHFARM Hub shared insights on how to make the initiative impactful and sustainable. Discussions revolved around:
- Establishing AfCFTA Tertiary and High School Clubs on campuses to foster collaboration and practical learning.
- Organizing workshops and mentorship programs led by industry experts.
- Leveraging partnerships to provide students with resources and real-world exposure to trade opportunities.
- Broader youth, students and community engagements in AfCFTA initiatives to foster mindset shift, boost culture of entrepreneurship and trade.
- Students’ Comprehensive understanding of AfCFTA and its significance for Africa’s economic development.
- Participants gaining practical skills in STEM, digital tools, agriculture, agribusiness / creative arts value chain and circular economy, business development, management, and trade.
The collaboration underscored the critical role of stakeholders in ensuring the success of initiatives that aim to bridge education and economic empowerment.
What’s Next?
With the support of the National AfCFTA Coordination Office, TECHFARM Hub is poised to roll out the AfCFTA High School Connect Initiative across multiple regions in Ghana. This partnership marks a pivotal moment in empowering the next generation of trade-savvy leaders who will drive Africa’s economic transformation.
Stay tuned for updates as we work to inspire and equip Ghana’s youth with the skills they need to thrive in a globalized economy.
