AYC Becomes Founding Member of Pan African Youth Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Trade and Tourism

The Capacity Building Workshop on Stakeholders Engagement on African Trade Policies and ECOWAS Regional Trade Policy Dialogue Forumended on a high note with the formation of the Pan African African Youth Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Trade and Tourism (PAYCCITT). 

One of the key emerging issues during the 4 day workshop held in Abuja, Nigeria was the need to have youth voices represented in trade policy formulation and implementation processes. To fill this gap, youth representatives came together during a breakfast meeting to forge a way forward and as a result PAYCCITT was formed.

Through the PAYCCITT , African youth will have a voice in trade and tourism matters at Continental level. Working closely with the African Union, GIZ and Pan African Chamber of Commerce and Industry , PAYCCITT will enhance the process of mapping and tracking youth in formal and informal businesses across Africa as well as do capacity building and also sensitize youth on AfCFTA conversations. 

AYC Director of Communications and Advocacy who represented the organisation at the workshop lauded the move to form PAYCITT terming it a move in the right direction.

“It is important that youth voices are represented at all levels of trade policy formulation and implementation;one way to do that is through organised movements. AYC will lobby its members so they are fully engaged in PAYCITT processes in their countries so that the movement is trully representative of African youth, ” she said .

Speaking during the inauguration of the movement initiator and convener of PAYCCITT, Dr Peter Ayim of the Nigerian Youth Chamber of Commerce expressed hope that the movement would be an ideal model for youth in Africa to participate in trade formation and implementation processes. “We are thankful to AU, GIZ and PACCI for offering to play the big brother role and guide us as we chart our way forward,” he said.

The Capacity Building Workshop on Stakeholders Engagement on African Trade Policies and ECOWAS Regional Trade Policy Dialogue Forum took place in Abuja, Nigeria from 24^thto 27^thApril 2019.The workshop, organised by the African Union, GIZ and ECOWAS brought together participants from Govts, Private Sector and CSOs to strategise on inclusive engagement of multi stakeholders for trade policy making and implementation processes.