Accra: The AfCFTA Young Entrepreneurs' Federation (AfYEF) and the Sudanese Coordination in West Africa (SUCWA) have inked a groundbreaking General Cooperation Agreement aimed at enhancing cross-border trade, investment, and enterprise opportunities specifically targeting the Sudanese youth within the West African diaspora.
According to Ghana Web, the signing ceremony was held at Tag Palace Hotel in Accra and was attended by Nadir Ibrahim Ahmed Abdulrahim, Counselor at the Embassy of the Republic of Sudan in Accra, highlighting the diplomatic significance of this youth-led initiative. In his opening remarks, Mr. Hissan Siita Sofo (Malti Naa I), President of AfYEF, emphasized the strategic nature of the agreement, describing it as a 'bridge between peoples united by a shared African destiny.' He stressed the importance of African youth taking initiative, stating, "The future is now."
The General Cooperation Agreement sets up a strategic framework for collaboration, access, and empowerment between AfYEF and SUCWA. Under this agreement, SUCWA members will gain access to key AfYEF platforms such as The Catalyst Show, which is a Pan-African enterprise platform focused on identifying, funding, and scaling Africa's most promising youth-led businesses. This program includes a $100,000 catalytic prize fund and a diaspora investment matchmaking system designed to redirect part of Africa's annual $100 billion remittances from consumption into productive investments.
Another key initiative under the agreement is The BIGEF Business Surgery Framework, which provides a structured support system to help entrepreneurs transition from idea stages to investment readiness. "Our goal is simple: no young entrepreneur left behind under AfCFTA," Mr. Siita Sofo stated.
Mr. Siita Sofo issued a call to action for Sudanese and African youth, urging them to actively participate in Africa's transformation and not remain on the sidelines. He emphasized that Africa's future will be shaped not just by governments but by entrepreneurs, innovators, and builders. This partnership, he said, opens the door for such involvement.
Additionally, Mr. Siita Sofo announced his new role as Secretary-General of the Virtual Assets and Service Providers Association (VASPA), a continental advocacy platform dedicated to advancing Africa's blockchain and virtual assets ecosystem. He also noted his participation in various committees, reflecting a broader shift towards African youth taking leadership roles. He revealed plans to speak at the African Development Bank Annual Meetings in Brazzaville in 2026, representing African youth in development financing discussions.
Expressing his gratitude, Mr. Siita Sofo acknowledged SUCWA President Alamin A. Durmus for his visionary partnership, the Embassy of the Republic of Sudan for its support, and the executives of AfYEF for their commitment to this continental mission. "The Africa we want will not happen by chance-it will be built deliberately," he concluded, urging all involved to continue building Africa together.
The AfCFTA Young Entrepreneurs' Federation (AfYEF) is a Pan-African youth institution that operates at the intersection of policy, enterprise, and investment, connecting young Africans to capital, markets, and opportunities. Meanwhile, the Sudanese Coordination in West Africa (SUCWA) is a diaspora organization dedicated to empowering Sudanese communities across West Africa through social, economic, and cultural initiatives.