ReadyToTRADE is a complementary initiative by ReadyToLeadAfrica focused on boosting intra-African trade by empowering Millennials, Gen Z, rural MSMEs, women, and youth with the knowledge and tools to leverage the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Objectives:
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Bridge the information gap around AfCFTA and its business potential.
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Promote cross-border trade and regional integration.
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Organize community-level events across Africa to educate and inspire young entrepreneurs and business owners.
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Advance democratic, social, and economic growth through trade empowerment.
Problem Context:
Despite the AfCFTA offering immense trade opportunities, many youths and small businesses lack the information, resources, and support to access these benefits. ReadyToTRADE addresses this by creating awareness, building capacity, and facilitating access to regional markets.
Launch Event – May 31, 2023 (Merit House, Maitama, Abuja):
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Shared platform with ReadyToWork.
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Participants learned about how AfCFTA can be leveraged for small business growth.
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Events highlighted the importance of regional trade and its potential to transform Africa’s economic landscape.
Support and Endorsements:
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YALI Network Abuja: Praised ReadyToTRADE for breaking down trade barriers and fostering collaboration across Africa.
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Abuja Global Shapers: Emphasized how trade opportunities can reduce unemployment and drive innovation.
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Entrepreneurs & Coaches (e.g., Thabos Mongatane from South Africa): Encouraged youths to seize the opportunities AfCFTA presents for growth and collaboration.
READYTOTRADE
Keynote Session
Speaker 1: Nobuhle Renque
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Topic: “Deepening Trade Amongst Millennials and Gen-Zs Through the Instrumentality of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)”
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Focus: Empowering young Africans to leverage AfCFTA for economic inclusion and trade growth.
Speaker 2: Chimdi Neliaku
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Topic: “Understanding the Potentials of the AfCFTA as an Instrument”
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Key Points:
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AfCFTA is a trade agreement signed by 54 African countries to promote intra-African trade.
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Barriers to implementation: language and cultural barriers, lack of awareness, poor infrastructure, and inadequate government policies.
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Role of youth, entrepreneurs, government, and individuals in leveraging AfCFTA.
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Emphasis on emotional intelligence, cultural ambassadorship, intra-African travel, and personal guiding principles.
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ReadyToTRADE Panel Session
Topic: “Strengthening Cross-Border Trade”
Panelists:
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Taiwo Akerele (Policy House International)
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Bamidele Seun Owoola (Welcome2Africa International)
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Ezekiel Yusuf (Training Consultant)
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Host: Godbless Otubure (ReadyToLeadAfrica)
Highlights:
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Africa contributes only 3.2% to global growth—there’s a need for better infrastructure, government support, and education.
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Challenges to AfCFTA implementation: unstable policies, customs regulations, low product quality, and poor intra-African trust.
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Trade readiness begins at home—Nigerians must trade locally before expanding regionally.
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Strong alignment between citizens and government is needed to boost AfCFTA impact.
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Final recommendations: Improve infrastructure, educate entrepreneurs, and engage policymakers.
Launch of ReadyToTRADE & One Market Africa
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Overview Video: Showcased One Market Africa—a pan-African e-commerce platform for listing African-made products.
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Platform Purpose: Advance AfCFTA goals by aggregating African products in one marketplace (similar to Jumia/Amazon).
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Call to Action: Attendees were encouraged to sign up, list products, and use the platform as a hub for intra-African commerce.