Abuja, Nigeria – The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) successfully launched the HerAfCFTA Initiativein Nigeria, a groundbreaking program designed to empower women entrepreneurs and facilitate their active participation in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). First unveiled by the UNDP Regional Director for Africa at the 2023 AfCFTA Business Forum, HerAfCFTA formed a core part of UNDP’s strategic focus on leveraging intra-African trade to drive poverty reduction, job creation, and foreign exchange growth across the continent.

Marking the African Union’s dedicated year of AfCFTA, HerAfCFTA addressed critical barriers faced by women-led micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Nigeria, offering structured support in capacity building, market access, trade facilitation, business networking, investment, and digitalization.

“HerAfCFTA underscored our commitment to inclusive economic growth by ensuring that Nigerian women entrepreneurs are equipped to thrive within the AfCFTA framework. By providing access to essential resources and networks, we set a foundation for new levels of economic empowerment for women and a promising future for all,” stated Ahunna Eziakonwa, UNDP Regional Director for Africa.

Highlights of HerAfCFTA Nigeria

The HerAfCFTA programme delivered Nigerian women-led MSMEs with tools and resources to engage in cross-border trade and scale their businesses, focusing on six key pillars:

1. Capacity Building: Through workshops and training, participants gained insights into trade regulations, digital skills, and e-commerce, preparing them for export markets.

2. Market Access: Market research and quality standard support helped women entrepreneurs identify and access new trade opportunities within AfCFTA countries.

3. Trade Facilitation: Simplified customs procedures and logistical support reduced trade barriers for easier market entry.

4. Business Networking: Networking sessions provided women entrepreneurs with opportunities to connect, collaborate, and form valuable partnerships.

5. Investment Opportunities: Financing options, including grants and investment funds, became accessible to support business expansion.

6. Digitalization: The programme encouraged the use of digital tools and e-commerce platforms for market growth.

Launch Event Recap

The launch event featured:

• Networking Session: This session allowed stakeholders to connect, discuss challenges, and explore potential collaborations.

• Fireside Chat: A panel of industry experts and women entrepreneurs shared insights on market access, financing, and policy frameworks within the AfCFTA.

• Interactive Exhibition Space: Nigerian women-led SMEs showcased their products and services, highlighting the innovation and potential within Nigeria’s female entrepreneurial sector.

Supporting a New Era for Women in Trade

With a target market expected to reach 1.7 billion people and an aggregate GDP of USD 6.7 trillion by 2030, the AfCFTA offers unprecedented opportunities for African economies. However, barriers such as limited access to finance and market information disproportionately impact women, underscoring the importance of initiatives like HerAfCFTA. According to recent reports by UNDP and UN Women, over 31.9% of women entrepreneurs reported challenges in cross-border trade, with many facing violence or aggression in informal markets.

HerAfCFTA provided critical resources to address these obstacles, ensuring that Nigerian women entrepreneurs are positioned to thrive in a larger, more competitive market.

For further details on HerAfCFTA and its outcomes, please contact: