The United Nations Development Programme on Thursday in Lagos officially unveiled the HerAfCFTA initiative in Nigeria, announcing a $1m seed investment donation. UN Secretary-General and UNDP Regional Director for Africa, Ms. Ahunna Eziakonwa said the initiative underscores the importance of collective effort in securing a prosperous future for women in the unified African market. 'The $1 million is a seed investment. We will invite more partners to invest in this initiative.
We are also looking at a commitment to creating a more inclusive and prosperous future for women and youth entrepreneurs, driving sustainable economic development and growth across Africa,' Ms. Eziakonwa stated. In her remarks, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Doris Nkiruka Uzoka-Anite, said the continent accounts for just two per cent of global trade, adding that the AfCFTA aims to change this by promoting inter-African trade.