Vice President Jessica Alupo told women leaders and entrepreneurs attending the African Continental Free Trade Area (AFCFTA) conference in the Tanzanian Capital, Dar es Salaam that without peace and stability, governments can not engage in any meaningful and sustainable programs for their people.
She said that sustainable plans of any country can only be achieved where the community is actively involved in wealth production without disruption and called upon African Governments to make enabling policies and laws that will facilitate women and youth to actively participate in business and trade on the continent.
Giving the example of Uganda, the Vice President observed that the leadership has created not only a conducive environment for everyone with the ability to invest to do so but is also empowering women and youth groups with deliberate Government programs to facilitate their engagement in value addition and wealth generation.
The Vice President was a panelist during a discussion where Africa’s powerful women leaders and business entrepreneurs addressed the conference via zoom link. The discussion examined supporting women and youth leadership in trade looking at barriers impacting women and youth aspirations in attaining the highest levels, especially in business leadership.
Other panelists included Ethiopia President, Sahle-work-Zewede and Malawi former President Joyce Banda. Ameen Gurib Fakim former President of Mauritius, Liberia Vice President and former First Lady, Jewel Taylor and the AU Commission Deputy Chairperson, Dr. Monique Nsanzabaganwa.