The AfCFTA Young Entrepreneurs Federation (AfYEF) convened a high-level official side event during the African Development Bank (AfDB) Annual Meetings 2025, under the theme “Empowering Africa’s Future Through AfCFTA.” Held at the Sofitel Hotel in Abidjan, the forum brought together policymakers, private sector leaders, and youth advocates to champion the inclusion of young people and women in Africa’s economic transformation.
Unlocking Africa’s Demographic Dividend
In his Opening Address, AfYEF President Siita Sofo Hissan underscored the urgent need to unlock the continent’s demographic potential through strategic investment in youth. He emphasized the importance of what he termed the “2Cs” – Capital and Capacity Building – as the foundation for sustainable youth empowerment.
“If Africa is truly committed to Agenda 2063 and the promise of AfCFTA, then we must act now—and act together—on these imperatives,” Hissan stated.
He also took the opportunity to commend the outgoing President of the African Development Bank, Dr. Akinwumi A. Adesina, for his visionary leadership in launching the Youth Entrepreneurship Investment Bank (YEIB). Hissan described the YEIB as a “legacy initiative” that will play a crucial role in improving access to funding for youth-led enterprises across the continent.
High-Level Panel Discussion
A compelling panel discussion followed, moderated by media personality Angela Bamford, and featured:
•Hon. Mamadou Touré, Minister for Youth Promotion, Professional Integration, and Civic Service, and Deputy Government Spokesperson, Côte d’Ivoire
•Mr. Stanislas Zézé, CEO of Bloomfield Investment
•Safwan Alhassan, Director of Communication, AfYEF
The conversation addressed key challenges and opportunities for youth entrepreneurs, with a focus on financial inclusion, policy innovation, and the role of the AfCFTA in enabling youth-led growth across the continent.
Recognition and Strategic Partnerships
While keynote speaker Dr. Joy Kategekwa, Director of Regional Integration at AfDB, was unable to attend in person, her leadership was acknowledged through a certificate of recognition presented to her representative. The event also recognized the contributions of Dr. Martha T.M. Phiri, Hon. Mamadou Touré, Angela Bamford, and other key stakeholders.
AfYEF took the opportunity to announce its upcoming youth-focused forum at the G20 Summit in South Africa this November, being organized in partnership with Open Education and other strategic allies.
Empowering Africa’s Next Generation
This successful gathering reaffirms AfYEF’s role as a driving force in youth economic empowerment on the continent. By fostering inclusive trade, entrepreneurship, and capacity development, AfYEF continues to position young Africans as central actors in the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
