Three years ago, on November 9, 2021, at the East African Community (EAC) Headquarters, His Excellency Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, former President of Tanzania, launched the AfCFTA Youth Advisory Council (ICOYACA). With visionary guidance from YouLead Africa, GIZ African Union, and the esteemed African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat, ICOYACA was born, a council built by youth, for youth.
Special acknowledgment to Ivan Atuyambe (AfCFTA YouthMan), 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, hashtag#ICOYACA has expanded its impact across EAC and African Union member states, empowering 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.