Ghana has launched its chapter of Trade Queen Africa, a pioneering initiative of The African Young Entrepreneurs Federation (AFYEF), a consortium of youth entrepreneurship organizations in Africa and a subsidiary of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

The pageant, christened "Trade Queen Africa," offers a distinctive platform for participants to engage in extensive discussions on trade and culture, aiming to foster a unified African identity. With the theme "Beyond Beauty, Fostering Trade," the event seeks to empower dynamic young women from various countries across the continent to champion intra-African trade.

The inaugural edition anticipates representatives from over 22 nations, including Ghana, Nigeria, Mali, Sudan, Zambia, South Africa, Guinea, Morocco, Egypt, Ethiopia, Liberia, Zimbabwe, Cameroon, Senegal, Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso, Togo, Rwanda, Cape Verde, Republic of Chad, and Egypt.

At the national level, selected contestants will undergo a week of accommodation and grooming, culminating in a final event where the winner will be selected. The chosen candidates will then advance to the continental phase in Accra, Ghana, where they will reside for a month, with activities streamed live from the pageant house for public voting.

The ultimate victor will be crowned as Miss Trade Queen. The final event will encompass a three-day exhibition, networking opportunities, panel discussions, entertainment, and cultural presentations, culminating in the coronation of the Queen, first runner-up, second runner-up, and consolation prizes.

Addressing the Launch of the Ghana Chapter, Madam Alice Frimpong Sarkodie (Ms Sark), Project Lead for Ghana, encouraged African women and youth to seize this opportunity, along with others, to push against trade barriers hindering progress within Africa and its diaspora.

She emphasized that Trade Queen Africa aims to invigorate youthful enthusiasm and feminine energy to complement the existing efforts of organizations like AfCFTA.

The President of AFYEF, Mr. Hissan Siita Sofo, also urged all participating nations to adhere to the requisite guidelines to ensure the success of the event.