From 16 – 18 October 2023, ACCORD, in collaboration with the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), the Horn of Africa Youth Network, Save the Children, Institute for Security Studies, and International IDEA, hosted an Intergenerational Dialogue (IGD) to discuss Peace and Security as a Catalyst to the Implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The IGD which took place in Lusaka, Zambia, addressed the prevalent misconceptions about youth, emphasising their potential as essential drivers of social and economic development rather than being viewed merely as instigators of violence. With Africa boasting a significant population of young people, the discussions highlighted their pivotal role in advancing economic growth and the successful realisation of the AfCFTA.
The AfCFTA, seen as a potential game-changer, offers opportunities for youth-driven initiatives across sectors such as agriculture, financial technology, IT, and the creative industry. The integration of youth into decision-making processes related to the AfCFTA was a key focus, aligning with the Youth, Peace, and Security (YPS) Agenda aimed at transforming perceptions of youth from agents of conflict to advocates for peace and development.
Recognising that peace and security are fundamental prerequisites for the AfCFTA’s success, the dialogue delved into strategies involving various stakeholders to advance the peace and security agenda within the continent and the region. Additionally, the event explored how accelerating the AfCFTA’s implementation could significantly reduce both direct and indirect violence, alleviate poverty, and create job opportunities for marginalised communities, especially the youth.
ACCORD’s Programme Officer Ms. Lwandile Moyo, moderated a session focusing on the role of youth in AfCFTA implementation. This session placed emphasis on the need to harness the potential of Africa’s youth as catalysts for sustainable peace, security, and economic prosperity, thus reinforcing the critical relationship between peace, security, and the successful execution of the AfCFTA.
This dialogue aligned with ACCORD’s broader strategic goals of contributing evidence-based analysis and policy support to address complex conflicts, particularly in line with the African Union’s theme of accelerating the AfCFTA implementation.
