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Policy Advocacy
AFEL is a pioneering initiative dedicated to fostering economic literacy and engagement among African youth. Our mission is to bridge the gap between young people and policy-making processes, empowering the next generation of economic leaders across Africa.


Advocacy Programs Overview
At Africa Future Economic Leaders (AFEL), we recognize the critical role of policy advocacy in shaping the economic landscape for African youth. Our advocacy programs are designed to bridge the gap between young economic leaders and policymakers, ensuring that youth voices are heard and considered in the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and other key economic policies.
Our Advocacy Approach
- Evidence-Based Advocacy: We leverage research findings from our Economic Impact Challenge and other initiatives to inform our policy recommendations.
- Youth-Led Campaigns: We empower young leaders to spearhead advocacy efforts, ensuring authentic youth representation.
- Multi-Stakeholder Engagement: We facilitate dialogues between youth, policymakers, private sector leaders, and civil society organizations.
- Capacity Building: We provide training to enhance the advocacy skills of young economic leaders.
focus areas
Engaging Policymakers Effectively
Effective engagement with policymakers is crucial for translating youth perspectives into actionable policies. Our approach includes:
Building Relationships
• Regular Dialogues: We organize quarterly roundtables bringing together youth leaders and policymakers to discuss pressing economic issues.
• Policy Briefings: We provide concise, evidence-based briefings to policymakers on youth economic priorities.
Tailoring Communication
• Visual Storytelling: We use infographics and short videos to illustrate the impact of policies on youth economic opportunities.
• Social Media Campaigns: We leverage digital platforms to amplify youth voices and engage policymakers in public discourse.
Demonstrating Impact
• Economic Simulations: We conduct and present simulations demonstrating the potential outcomes of proposed youth-focused economic policies.
• Policy Implementation Tracking: We monitor and report on the implementation of youth-focused economic policies, highlighting successes and areas for improvement.
focus areas
Bridging Policy Gaps in Youth Engagement
Our advocacy efforts focus on addressing key policy gaps that hinder youth economic empowerment:
AfCFTA Youth Inclusion
- AfCFTA Youth Advisory Council:: We advocate for the establishment of a formal youth advisory body within the AfCFTA Secretariat.
- Youth-Friendly Trade Policies: We push for policies that reduce barriers for young entrepreneurs engaging in cross-border trade.
- Digital Trade Empowerment: We advocate for policies that enhance youth participation in the digital economy across Africa.
Economic Education and Skills Development
- Curriculum Reform: We advocate for the integration of AfCFTA and pan-African trade concepts into university economics curricula.
- Vocational Training Alignment: We push for vocational training programs that align with AfCFTA opportunities.
- Entrepreneurship Support: We advocate for policies that provide mentorship, funding, and support for young entrepreneurs.
Gender Equality in Economic Policies
- Women in Trade: We champion policies that specifically address barriers faced by young women in accessing AfCFTA opportunities.
- Gender-Responsive Budgeting: We advocate for economic policies and budgets that consider the unique needs of young women entrepreneurs.

get involved
Volunteer Opportunities
Passionate about Africa’s economic development? AFEL welcomes dedicated individuals to support our initiatives and make a tangible impact on youth economic empowerment.
Youth Mentorship Program
- Role: Guide and inspire young African entrepreneurs and economics students
- Commitment: 2-4 hours per week, 6-month minimum commitment
- Requirements: 5+ years of experience in economics, business, or related fields
AfCFTA Education Ambassador
- Role: Conduct workshops on AfCFTA opportunities for youth
- Commitment: 1-2 workshops per month
- Requirements: Strong understanding of AfCFTA, excellent presentation skills
Economic Research Assistant
- Role: Support AFEL's research initiatives on African economic development
- Commitment: 10-15 hours per week, 3-month minimum commitment
- Requirements: Economics or related degree, strong analytical skills
Digital Skills Trainer
- Role: Teach digital skills relevant to intra-African trade and e-commerce
- Commitment: Weekly online classes, 3-month program
- Requirements: Expertise in digital marketing, e-commerce platforms, or related areas
Event Organizer
- Role: Assist in planning and executing AFEL Economic Impact Challenges and youth summits
- Commitment: Project-based, intensive during event periods
- Requirements: Event management experience, excellent organizational skills

get involved
Volunteer Opportunities
Passionate about Africa’s economic development? AFEL welcomes dedicated individuals to support our initiatives and make a tangible impact on youth economic empowerment.
Youth Mentorship Program
- Role: Guide and inspire young African entrepreneurs and economics students
- Commitment: 2-4 hours per week, 6-month minimum commitment
- Requirements: 5+ years of experience in economics, business, or related fields
AfCFTA Education Ambassador
- Role: Conduct workshops on AfCFTA opportunities for youth
- Commitment: 1-2 workshops per month
- Requirements: Strong understanding of AfCFTA, excellent presentation skills
Economic Research Assistant
- Role: Support AFEL's research initiatives on African economic development
- Commitment: 10-15 hours per week, 3-month minimum commitment
- Requirements: Economics or related degree, strong analytical skills
Digital Skills Trainer
- Role: Teach digital skills relevant to intra-African trade and e-commerce
- Commitment: Weekly online classes, 3-month program
- Requirements: Expertise in digital marketing, e-commerce platforms, or related areas
Event Organizer
- Role: Assist in planning and executing AFEL Economic Impact Challenges and youth summits
- Commitment: Project-based, intensive during event periods
- Requirements: Event management experience, excellent organizational skills

get involved
Partnership Opportunities
AFEL seeks collaborations with organizations committed to youth economic empowerment and African economic integration. Partner with us to amplify our impact and create sustainable change.
Academic Institutions
-
Integrate AFEL's AfCFTA curriculum into economics and law programs
- Co-host Economic Impact Challenges and policy forums
- Collaborate on research projects focused on youth economic empowerment
Corporations
- Sponsor AFEL initiatives and events
- Provide internship opportunities for AFEL program participants
- Offer expertise through guest lectures and mentorship programs
Government Agencies
- Partner on policy advocacy initiatives
- Support the implementation of youth-focused AfCFTA programs
- Collaborate on data collection and impact assessment of youth economic initiatives
Technology Companies
- Develop digital platforms to support youth engagement in intra-African trade
- Provide tech solutions for AFEL's online learning and networking initiatives
- Offer pro-bono services to enhance AFEL's digital presence and reach

get involved
Partnership Opportunities
AFEL seeks collaborations with organizations committed to youth economic empowerment and African economic integration. Partner with us to amplify our impact and create sustainable change.
Academic Institutions
-
Integrate AFEL's AfCFTA curriculum into economics and law programs
- Co-host Economic Impact Challenges and policy forums
- Collaborate on research projects focused on youth economic empowerment
Corporations
- Sponsor AFEL initiatives and events
- Provide internship opportunities for AFEL program participants
- Offer expertise through guest lectures and mentorship programs
Government Agencies
- Partner on policy advocacy initiatives
- Support the implementation of youth-focused AfCFTA programs
- Collaborate on data collection and impact assessment of youth economic initiatives
Technology Companies
- Develop digital platforms to support youth engagement in intra-African trade
- Provide tech solutions for AFEL's online learning and networking initiatives
- Offer pro-bono services to enhance AFEL's digital presence and reach
Success Stories
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Economics Professor
Our partnership with AFEL has significantly enhanced our company's understanding of youth perspectives on African trade. It's not just CSR; it's a strategic investment in the future of our market.
CEO of Pan-African Logistics Firm
GET INVOLVED
Ready to Make a Difference?
Whether you’re an individual looking to volunteer your time and expertise or an organization seeking impactful partnerships, AFEL offers a platform to contribute meaningfully to Africa’s economic transformation.
Join us in empowering Africa’s future economic leaders. Together, we can build a prosperous and integrated African economy.
Volunteering as an AfCFTA Education Ambassador has been incredibly rewarding. I've seen firsthand how increased awareness about trade opportunities can inspire young entrepreneurs to think beyond borders.