Women and youth benefit from simplified EAC trade regime across borders

Arusha. More than 40 Percent of cross border traders from the East African Community are able to use simplified EAC trade regimes to do business.

Despite challenges facing the implementation of the East African Community’s Common Market Protocol.

That was stated by Jonathan Ssesanga, an official from the East African Community while explaining the steps taken by the EAC to empower women and youth in business, at the African Women and Youth Business Summit and Trade Fair taking place in Arusha.

It was observed that many cross border traders in East Africa also happen to be women and youth who have been found to require more support and boost in order to perform even better in cross border business especially now that the African Continental Free Trade Area is about to sail on the continent.

“Eighty Percent of the African Continental Free Trade Area beneficiaries should be women and youth because inclusive and sustainable growth in Africa is also stipulated in the AfCTA protocol,” said Florence Masunga, CEO of Tanzania Women Empowerment Network (TAWEN).

On the other hand, the East African Business Council through its Chief Executive, John Bosco Kalisa, wants a special multinational market for women, youth and small scale medium enterprises set up at the Namanga Border to serve Kenyan and Tanzanian traders.

Guest of Honor John Mongella, the Arusha Regional Commissioner lauded TAWEN for championing the agenda of empowering women and youth, which is the same initiative being undertaken by the government of Tanzania.

The Summit is taking place under the theme of ‘Strengthening African Women and Youth Business for Sustainable Tomorrow.’ has convened Business Women and Youth from East Africa and West Africa to discuss the African Continental Free Trade Area.

“As we celebrate the International Women’s Day this year our core agenda should be the AfCFTA,” said Mama Thubiha Kisasi, Board vice Chair Person TAWEN.

She lauded President Samia, for championing the Protocol on Women and Youth, saying TAWEN is dedicated to supporting youth and women to contribute more to economic growth.

She expounded that the AFCFTA protocol on e-commerce will enable women and women to trade across the continent.

Chairperson Tanzania Women Chamber of Commerce (TWCC) Mercy Sila reiterated the chamber’s commitment to collaborate with TAWEN and other associations to reach out to more women and youth and empower them on access to finance, markets, tender opportunities and advocacy.