This challenge engages young people to develop and curate policy ideas for the implementation of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). 

The objective of the challenge
  • To identify and disseminate innovative ideas, solutions and actions which will maximize the benefits of the AfCFTA, especially for women and youth
  • To enhance capacity of young Africans for policy development and implementation
  • To integrate young Africans into AfCFTA policy making processes
Eligibility Criteria
  • Applicants must  hold nationality of one of the 55 member states of the AU
  • Applicants must be between the ages of 15 – 35. We strongly encourage submissions from female applicants
  • Engaged in policy/trade development or interested in building experience in policy/trade development
How to apply
  1. How to apply
  • Application submissions will be online in English or French through 
  • English https://bit.ly/38j5YXC  
  • French https://bit.ly/2JPprFd
  • Applicants will respond to only one essay question policy question on the AfCFTA
  • Submissions must be 250 to 300 words, Font Arial, 11, 1.5 spacing, justified margins.
  • Attachments should be labelled properly indicating the name of the applicant and the question answered

The deadline for submission is 23rd November 2020.

The top 10 finalists will benefit from:-

  • Development of an AfCFTA implementation plan for a country or regional economic community, with mentorship from leading trade experts, industry captains, trade negotiators.
  • Masterclass on ‘maximizing opportunities in the AfCFTA’ led by senior policy officials and leading youth entrepreneurs
  • Online publication and presentation of the AfCFTA Implementation Plan to high-level policy officials