The African Energy Chamber (AEC) has voiced its strong support for the upcoming Africa Prosperity Dialogues (APD 2026), underscoring the event as a crucial platform to advance intra-African trade and empower SMEs, women and youth – groups that are essential to Africa’s economic and energy future. By fostering cross-border collaboration, investment and knowledge-sharing, APD provides a practical framework for turning the promise of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) into measurable opportunities for inclusive growth, innovation and regional value creation.
For years, policymakers have championed the AfCFTA as a mechanism to unify Africa’s 1.5 billion citizens into a single, efficient market. Yet its success depends on engaging the groups that drive Africa’s economies. SMEs account for roughly 80% of employment and 50% of GDP in many African countries but remain largely excluded from cross-border commerce. Women contribute nearly half of Africa’s economic output yet face persistent barriers to finance and market access, while Africa’s youth – more than 60% of the population – struggle to connect with investment and trade networks.
Scheduled for February 4-6 in Accra, APD 2026 focuses on strategies to unlock the $15 billion in untapped potential within the AfCFTA’s Protocol on Women in Trade, strengthen digital trade infrastructure to support youth-driven innovation and simplify cross-border procedures for SMEs. The dialogue emphasizes harmonized customs systems, expanded access to finance and integrated digital and physical trade networks – all designed to empower African entrepreneurs, businesses and communities to thrive in the single market.
The implications for the energy sector are significant. Strengthening intra-African trade and investment creates locally-owned value chains in renewables, power infrastructure and clean technologies, generating jobs and fostering innovation. Integrating SMEs and women-led enterprises into energy supply chains and regional projects ensures Africa’s energy growth is inclusive, sustainable and locally driven.
Beyond policy and investment, empowering African entrepreneurs also strengthens the continent’s negotiating position in global energy and trade markets. African-led solutions that prioritize local value creation, skills development and market integration help ensure that profits and expertise remain on the continent, accelerating long-term economic resilience and energy security.
“Transforming Africa’s economic potential into reality requires that we empower those who make growth possible – our SMEs, our women entrepreneurs and our youth,” states NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the AEC. “Inclusive trade and investment are the catalysts for turning policy frameworks into tangible opportunities, particularly in sectors like energy where local participation is critical to long-term sustainability.”
By endorsing APD 2026, the AEC reinforces its mission to advance African-led solutions, champion inclusive growth and accelerate cross-border energy collaboration. The dialogue demonstrates that Africa’s prosperity will be built not just through policy, but by empowering entrepreneurs, facilitating capital flows and connecting regional markets, ensuring the continent’s energy and economic potential benefits all its citizens.
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