6. Conclusion

The coming into force of the AfCFTA agreement is a milestone achievement towards the actualisation of Africa’s aspiration to become an economically integrated and developed continent. Apparently, the AfCFTA holds enviable promises, ranging from increased trade, industrialisation, diversification and improved livelihoods on the continent at large. However, it appears that no tangible framework has been put in place to involve the youth in the implementation of the AfCFTA. Given the strategic place of the African youth on the continent, their inadequate involvement in the AfCFTA implementation would likely jeopardise successful diversification of the African economies, enhanced competitiveness of the economies and many other objectives of the agreement. In sum, there must be a collective approach and responsibility towards actualising “The Africa We Want”, especially within the AfCFTA agreement implementation framework, which should emphasise youth inclusion. In other words, there is a need for stronger partnership and effective collaboration among the AUC, the AfCFTA Secretariat, the Office of the African Union Youth Envoy, and the AU Women, Gender & Youth Directorate, member states, civil society, and youth hubs and agencies, to work closely in amplifying the benefits of the AfCFTA agreement and to foster youth engagement and participation in the process.