The West African Association for Cross-Border Trade in Agro-Sylvo-Pastoral and Fisheries Products (AOCTAH/WACTAF in english) made its presence felt at the conference on “Youth in Trade: Empowering Youth-Led Enterprises to Tackle Food Trade Challenges in Africa.” Organized by AGRA in collaboration with ECOWAS, this event took place in Dakar as part of the African Food Systems Forum.

Under the theme “African Youth: At the Forefront of Collaboration, Innovation, and Transformation of Agri-Food Systems,” the Forum aims to stimulate political will and mobilize the necessary investments to build inclusive, resilient, and sustainable food systems.

As a regional organization committed to trade facilitation, AOCTAH took the opportunity to highlight the barriers that still hinder the full participation of youth and women in cross-border trade. Whether it is non-tariff barriers, limited access to financing, or the persistence of the informal sector, numerous challenges remain. Youth must be at the heart of cross-border trade.

AOCTAH’s Permanent Secretary, Mr. Motchosso Justin Matitoma, reiterated the vision of seamless and integrated trade in West Africa:

« We must build trade where we are not afraid to move products from Abidjan to Ouagadougou, from Dakar to Bamako, or even onions from Niamey to Lagos. This dream of integration was carried by the founding fathers of ECOWAS, and we continue to defend it today, » he affirmed.

Alongside the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Borris Yedubuan Piake, Head of the Monitoring and Evaluation Department and Project Leader for Strengthening Youth and Women’s Participation in Cross-Border Trade in West Africa, presented a detailed analysis of the types of non-tariff barriers and their impact on young traders. He also reviewed existing trade facilitation mechanisms, emphasizing the need for concrete, field-based solutions. His presentation is sure to inspire action.

AOCTAH also highlighted the experiences of its members, notably ANFO from Niger, represented by Ms. Fatou Diop on behalf of Aly Harouna, AOCTAH/Niger Focal Point, who shared the realities faced by onion traders along cross-border corridors.

By actively contributing to this Forum, AOCTAH reaffirms its role as a catalyst for fairer and more inclusive cross-border trade. Its advocacy aligns with the call made to African heads of state and technical partners to support youth and women, true drivers of inclusive transformation in Africa’s agri-food sector.

The event also provided an opportunity to announce new initiatives, such as innovation competitions and exchange platforms for young entrepreneurs, aimed at strengthening their role in the sustainable transformation of food systems.

Babacar Sene Journal Agropasteur (Point Focal ReJPAH-AOS/RejaCEDEAO)