The First Lady of the Republic of Angola, Her Excellency Ana Dias Lourenço, has called on African leaders and stakeholders to ensure that the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is inclusive and people-centred, with women, youth and the informal sector placed at the core of Africas economic transformation.
Speaking at the African Prosperity Dialogues (APD) 2026, held under the theme Building an Inclusive Africa, Mrs. Lourenço said AfCFTA should be regarded not simply as a trade agreement, but as a powerful development tool capable of converting Africas natural resources, cultural diversity and human capital into shared and sustainable prosperity.
She observed that while significant progress has been made toward creating an integrated continental market, AfCFTAs long-term success will depend on its ability to deliver fairness, participation and tangible benefits, particularly for the millions of Africans who earn their livelihoods in the informal economy.
According to the Angolan First Lady, the Protocol on Women and Youth in Trade is critical to AfCFTAs effectiveness, noting that economic inclusion does not happen by chance. She stressed the need for intentional policies, targeted interventions and sustained efforts to remove structural barriers that restrict women and young people from fully participating in formal trade systems.
Mrs. Lourenço emphasized the importance of sustained investment in modern infrastructure both physical and digital alongside simplified access to finance and strengthened productive capacity across African economies. She also identified digital inclusion, technological skills development and access to e-commerce platforms as essential components of meaningful economic participation in todays global economy.
She further called for the elimination of linguistic barriers across the continent, stressing that Africas linguistic diversity should be embraced as a strength rather than allowed to impede trade, dialogue and negotiation among African nations.
Highlighting Angolas national development priorities, Mrs. Lourenço said the country continues to invest significantly in human capital through quality education, technical training and vocational skills development to equip young people for a diversified and resilient economy. She noted that Angolas growth strategy is driven by agriculture, industry, renewable energy, the digital economy and technological innovation, with a focus on job creation and reduced dependence on external markets.
Addressing the challenge of climate change, she warned that sustainable free trade cannot be achieved without climate-resilient agricultural systems. She stressed the need to support women farmers with access to green technologies, climate-smart practices and knowledge to safeguard food security across the continent.
As Vice President of the Organization of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD), Mrs. Lourenço highlighted the organizations current theme, First Ladies Promoting Leadership and the Advancement of Womens Rights through the Valorization of African Heritage. She said the initiative seeks to mobilize partnerships and resources to address pressing global challenges, including conflict and climate change.
She also shared insights from her work with the Ngana Zenza Foundation, referencing initiatives such as Transform Lives, Be a Woman and the Cunene Youth Campus, which focus on leadership development, entrepreneurship, vocational training and civic engagement for women and young people.
Mrs. Lourenço concluded by warning that the continued economic exclusion of women and youth poses a significant threat to Africas stability and competitiveness. She emphasized that inclusion is not only a moral responsibility but also a strategic economic necessity.
We have a sovereign opportunity to rewrite Africas narrative, she said. Let us build an AfCFTA that leaves no one behind and invests boldly in women and youth for shared African prosperity.
Eric Asare/myrepubliconline.com
