Madagascar takes another step forward in implementing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The AfCFTA Implementation Program (PA AfCFTA) has completed a study on opportunities offered by the AfCFTA to women entrepreneurs, along with a guide to integrate gender dimensions into the institutional and legislative framework and the implementation of the national strategy for this free trade zone.

Determinant Role
The validation and presentation workshop for this study was held yesterday at City Hall. Speakers emphasized the crucial role of women entrepreneurs in the economic transformation Madagascar can expect from its integration into this massive regional market representing nearly 3 billion consumers. As Tiava Rajhonson, director general of foreign trade, indicated, women entrepreneurs must become true development actors by leveraging AfCFTA advantages. Women entrepreneurs are well-positioned to influence the process, given their significant potential to conquer new African markets, particularly in agribusiness, crafts, textiles, services, and local product processing.

African Development Bank
As a technical and financial partner in AfCFTA implementation, the African Development Bank (AfDB) reiterated its commitment to supporting Madagascar's integration process, particularly regarding effective women entrepreneurs' participation. "Our objective is to support Madagascar so this integration process achieves positive results across all sectors, especially the private sector where women can play a determining role," said Donatien Kouassi, AfDB country program officer for Madagascar. Heriniaina Ramananarivo, national coordinator of PA AfCFTA, explained that progress is evident in Madagascar's integration into the African regional market.

Obstacles
The study recommends measures to remove obstacles limiting women entrepreneurs' competitiveness, including insufficient access to financing, weak mastery of export procedures, difficulties meeting international market quality requirements, limited access to commercial information, and weak business network integration. Recommendations include strengthening women entrepreneurs' capacities, better access to financing instruments, export support, business network development, and improved coordination between public institutions and professional organizations. These good intentions must be followed by concrete actions and not remain theoretical studies.