AfCFTA Youth Advisory Council-Youth, Peace & Sec

The Youth, Peace & Security Program under @ICOYACA is aimed at creating the nexus between Intra-African Trade and Youth, Peace and Security (Trade=YPS).

[Youth for Tax Justice Network @Youth_TJN]

YTJN & @IcoyacaUg to collaborate to raise awareness and encourage the involvement of the youth population in matters regarding the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFATA) and how they can benefit from it.

🔗; https://t.co/qLqOMKahzO

[Emolot Allan David @Emolot_AD]

This article by @IvanAtuyambe profoundly captures the essence of a generational challenge and opportunity. At @ICOYACA, we wholeheartedly agree with the assertion that Africa's young entrepreneurs are not just job seekers but job creators, driving innovation and addressing systemic challenges through their resilience and creativity.

The Council recognizes that despite their enormous potential, young entrepreneurs in Africa face significant hurdles, as he has eloquently outlined: limited access to capital, systemic biases, inadequate mentorship, and restrictive regulatory frameworks. These are real barriers that stifle the growth of promising ideas, preventing them from scaling and contributing to economic transformation. However, we must emphasize that addressing these challenges is not just a moral obligation but a strategic imperative for the sustainable development of Africa.

What the Council is Doing.

The Council is committed to creating an enabling environment where young entrepreneurs thrive and lead. In alignment with the vision of the @AfCFTA, we focus on equipping youth entrepreneurs with the tools, resources, and networks they need to expand their businesses across borders.

The Council has championed initiatives such as the Protocol on Women and Youth in Trade, adopted by the @_AfricanUnion Heads of State, to promote youth-friendly trade policies, simplify customs procedures, and create a supportive business environment for cross-border trade. Additionally, it amplifies youth voices by including them in decision-making processes and creating platforms like the @Youthdome to foster dialogue, celebrate innovation, and shape policies that empower youth to lead Africa’s economic transformation.

A Call to Action

We echo Ivan’s call to “walk side by side” with young African entrepreneurs. The Council believes this requires a multi-stakeholder approach where governments, the private sector, and civil society collaborate to dismantle systemic barriers and build a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem.

While the resilience of young African entrepreneurs is commendable, resilience alone is not enough. They need tangible support, streamlined policies, access to affordable capital, and opportunities for cross-border trade. The Council remains steadfast in its mission to ensure that Africa’s young entrepreneurs are not just participants in trade but leaders in transforming the continent’s economic landscape. All we just need is financial support to continue this work.

Let us work together to empower the agents of change already shaping Africa’s future. As Ivan rightly points out, “Africa’s young people are not waiting for change; they are driving it.” It is our collective duty to stand with them, remove obstacles, and create pathways for their success.

Together, we can achieve a thriving, inclusive, and prosperous Africa.

Asante Sana || Merci 👏
@AfriYBC @AUYouthProgram @MastercardFdn

[Emolot Allan David @Emolot_AD]

A Grateful Reflection: #Emolot@30

Today, I celebrate a milestone, my 30th birthday and as I reflect on this journey, I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the opportunities, challenges, and people who have shaped my life.

From my early days in Tororo Municipality, through my academic journey, to serving on global platforms, I have been blessed with countless moments that have taught me the value of resilience, purpose, and service.

I am humbled to have had the chance to contribute to meaningful causes, from youth empowerment, Peace and Security and governance to advancing Africa’s industrialization agenda. As Chairperson of @ICOYACAofficial, I’ve worked tirelessly to ensure young people have a voice in shaping Africa’s future. Through collaborations with incredible organizations, I’ve learned the power of partnership and vision.

Moments like being recognized among the @UN top 100 most influential people of African descent, leading key initiatives and establishing the @EmolotFdn are not just accomplishments, they are responsibilities. They remind me that every step forward is a step to uplift others, especially Africa’s youth, who hold the key to our continent’s transformation.

Turning 30 is a reminder that the journey is far from over. It is a call to dream bigger, work harder, and serve even more selflessly. To everyone who has walked this path with me; mentors, colleagues, friends, and family, thank you for your support and belief in me.

The best is yet to come. Together, we will continue building a better Africa for generations to come.

Here’s to the next chapter!

Asante Sana,
Emolot Allan David

[AfCFTA Youth Advisory Council-Youth, Peace & Sec @ICOYACA_YPS]

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to you our #AfCFTA Champions.

Blessings ✨

@AfriYBC @AfCFTA

[AfCFTA Youth Advisory Council-Youth, Peace & Sec @ICOYACA_YPS]

Exciting Announcement!

We are honored to announce that Hon. @P_Sebahizi, Minister of Trade and Industry, Republic of Rwanda, will be joining us as the Keynote Speaker.

🔗 Register Now: https://t.co/A6SPCI4OuR

📣 Spread the word and let’s make history together!
@ICOYACA_Rwanda

[Emolot Allan David @Emolot_AD]

Join me this Thursday, I’ll be speaking at the final session of the AfCFTA Protocols Webinar Series hosted by the Nelson Mandela School of Public Governance, @UCT_news.

Together with Ms. Nadia Hasham @nadia3690, a renowned trade policy expert and moderated by Dr. Tsotang Tsietsi, we will delve into the AfCFTA Protocol on Women and Youth in Trade, an integral part of Africa’s journey toward inclusive trade and economic empowerment.

🗓️ Date: Thursday, 28 November 2024
⏰ Time: 12:00 - 13:30 (SAST)
🔗 Register here to secure your spot: https://t.co/DRu1TRUMsT

The AfCFTA Protocol on Women and Youth in Trade is more than just a document, it is a roadmap for unlocking the potential of Africa's young people and women, empowering them to lead transformative change across our continent.

This webinar is your chance to engage with key insights, ask critical questions, and be part of shaping Africa's economic future. Your voice is essential in this conversation. Let’s amplify the role of youth in driving intra-African trade and creating sustainable development.

Asante Sana 🙏
@ICOYACAofficial @AfCFTA @AUYouthProgram @AU_YouthEnvoy @AU_WGYD @UNDPAfrica @MastercardFdn @_AfricanUnion @AfBC_ @YouthConnektAf @OneYoungAfrica @AfriYBC @APRMorg

[Emolot Allan David @Emolot_AD]

As we continue commemorating @ICOYACAofficial’s 3rd anniversary, we are reminded that true impact begins with passion, grows through collaboration, and thrives on resilience. The bedrock of ICOYACA’s Journey.

Together over the years through the council, we have turned ideas into action and dreams into change, proving that when young people lead with purpose, the future is unstoppable.

Thank you all for believing in us and supporting us. We commit to continuing our mission of ensuring our African youth are at the center of the @AfCFTA implementation process and benefit from the economic opportunities provided by it.

Most importantly, through our bottom-up engagement strategy, we aspire to ensure that No Youth is Left Behind in the process.

Asante Sana 🙏
@IvanAtuyambe @P_Sebahizi @MeneWamkele @AUYouthProgram @CEGEofficiel @SP_AfCFTA @YouthConnektAf

[Emolot Allan David @Emolot_AD]

Celebrating 3 Years of the AfCFTA Youth Advisory Council’s (@ICOYACAofficial) Role in Transforming Youth Engagement on AfCFTA.

Three years ago, on November 9, 2021, at the @jumuiya Headquarters, His Excellency @jmkikwete Jakaya, former President of the United Republic of Tanzania, launched the Council. With visionary guidance from @OneYoungAfrica, @GIZAfricanUnion, and the esteemed @AfCFTA Secretariat, #ICOYACA was born, a council built by youth, for youth.

Special acknowledgment to @IvanAtuyambe, Sodfa Daaji, Stella Agara and Moses Kanyesigye for their leadership in the AfCFTA Youth Inclusion Project, which brought our council’s dream to life. Their efforts paved the way for an innovative platform that amplifies youth voices in AfCFTA implementation.

Since our inception, #ICOYACA has expanded its impact across @jumuiya and @_AfricanUnion member states, empowering over 100,000 young Africans through initiatives like:

- AfCFTA Youth Engage Series, Masterclasses, and Bootcamps.
- The AfCFTA Youth, Peace, and Security Project.
- AFRO-EURO Youth Trade and Economic Integration Exchange for diaspora youth.
- Soon to be implemented AfCFTA_ICOYACA MOOT COURT COMPETITION, a step toward strengthening trade justice and youth representation among others.

Over these three transformative years, #ICOYACA has actively co-created and shaped critical events such as the YouLead Summit, AfCFTA Youth Symposium, @YouthConnektAf, Africa Youth Day, and AU MSME Forums. We have represented Youth in Trade resolutions at @_AfricanUnion Assemblies, forged dialogues between Europe and Africa, and built alliances with youth trade organizations across Asia, North America, South America, and the Caribbean.

A milestone we are particularly proud of is our contribution to the Protocol on Women and Youth in Trade, which was officially adopted in February 2024. This protocol is a testament to Africa’s commitment to inclusive trade, one that welcomes the power and potential of Africa’s youth and women.

With the support of partners ICOYACA has reached over 100,000 young people, equipping them with knowledge and tools to seize the opportunities AfCFTA offers. These are: @_AfricanUnion, @AUYouthProgram, @APRMorg, @GIZAfricanUnion, @eacgiz, @ITCnews, @UNDPAfrica, @ECA_OFFICIAL || @ATPC2, @OHCHRPartners, @UNESCO_MGIEP, @UNODC, @MastercardFdn and numerous Youth-led and Youth-focused organizations. To all who have supported us technically, financially, and morally, thank you.

As we celebrate @ICOYACAofficial third birthday, we renew our commitment to building an inclusive AfCFTA where no youth is left behind. Together, let’s continue shaping a more integrated, prosperous Africa.

Asante Sana 🙏

[Amb Kim Walusimbi @kimsalim99]

I also extend my appreciation to our continental leaderahip for the endless engagements geared towards our active role in the AfCFTA as @IcoyacaUg chapter delegates

[AfCFTA Youth Advisory Council-Youth, Peace & Sec @ICOYACA_YPS]

Through these efforts, we have equipped over 100,000 young Africans and the global youth with knowledge of the AfCFTA and recorded increased youth engagement in intra-African trade.

Thank you all for your immense support! Let’s all wish ICOYACA a Happy Third Birthday!🎂🥳 7/7

[AfCFTA Youth Advisory Council-Youth, Peace & Sec @ICOYACA_YPS]

Three years ago, the Independent Continental Youth Advisory Council on AfCFTA (ICOYACA) was launched at the East African Community (EAC) Headquarters by His Excellency Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, former President of the United Republic of Tanzania, on the 9th November 2021… 1/7

[AfCFTA Youth Advisory Council-Youth, Peace & Sec @ICOYACA_YPS]

eventually adopted by the 37th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Governments of the African Union in February 2024. 6/7

[Julius Nyerere Leadership Centre (JNLC) @TheJNLC]

“We have a shared responsibility as the East African #Youth to ensure that African youth are not just participants but #Leaders in Regional policy and Economic Integration.” —Emolot Allan David (@Emolot_AD

#YouLead24 #Day5 #HappeningNow @jumuiya Arusha, Tanzania.

[Emolot Allan David @Emolot_AD]

Happy Birthday Comrade @Jacobeyeru. Thank you so much for being an ardent supporter of @ICOYACAofficial, we are grateful and may the good Lord richly bless you and your endeavors.

Asante Sana 🙏.

@NYCofUganda @YYM256 @NRMOnline @NrmYouthleague @ssegawa_is @EmmaXfactor

[YouLead Africa @OneYoungAfrica]

⏰ 12 days to the #YouLead24 Summit!

Preparation is in high gear here in Arusha to deliberate on the state of affairs of African education and its relevance.
Tunawakaribisha!

📌https://t.co/SD5gsLBSBY

[Emolot Allan David @Emolot_AD]

At the Pathways to Peace: African Youth Convention on @AfCFTA, Peace & Security, I had the privilege of walking Hon.@BettyAmongiMP, Minister of @Mglsd_UG, @GovUganda, through the exhibition stalls.
Powerful spaces 4 eng'ment, where challenges are addressed & partnerships forged.