The African Trade Chamber has successfully launched its flagship Future Trade Leaders Fellowship Program, welcoming 120 young trade professionals and policymakers from 24 countries across Africa and the Caribbean. This transformative initiative is designed to empower emerging leaders to advance intra-African trade and leverage the opportunities offered by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The Fellowship aims to equip participants with the skills, knowledge, and networks necessary to address trade barriers and support the implementation of AfCFTA.
Through a year-long curriculum comprising workshops, mentorship programs, expert-led seminars, and peer-to-peer learning opportunities, the program provides a comprehensive platform for capacity building and professional development.
At the induction ceremony, Patricia S. Oppong, the Fellowships Coordinator of the African Trade Chamber, commended the inaugural cohort for their commitment to driving Africa’s economic transformation.
“This program represents a bold step toward empowering young leaders who will shape the future of trade on the continent,” she stated. “The 120 professionals in this cohort are not just participants—they are change-makers who will play a critical role in advancing the goals of AfCFTA and unlocking Africa’s vast trade potential.”
She further emphasized the Fellowship’s focus on collaboration and innovation. “By connecting professionals from across Africa and the Caribbean, we are fostering an exchange of ideas and creating a powerful network of trade leaders committed to driving sustainable economic growth. This is an exciting moment for all of us.”
The program’s launch reaffirms the African Trade Chamber’s commitment to supporting young professionals and policymakers in navigating Africa’s evolving intra-African trade landscape. As the Fellows embark on this transformative journey, they are expected to become key players in the realization of a more connected and prosperous Africa.
