HawKar CEO at Historic UNECA Conference
Our CEO, Khadija Jallouli, at the United Nations Economic Comission for Africa (UNECA): Advocating for inclusive entrepreneurship & disability-inclusive economic growth at the 2025 Conference of African Ministers of Finance, Planning & Economic Development
On March 15, 2025, Khadija Jallouli, CEO of HawKar, had the distinguished honor of representing young entrepreneurs at the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) during the 57th Conference of African Ministers of Finance, Planning & Economic Development in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. This landmark conference, themed “Advancing the implementation of the Agreement Establishing the African Continental Free Trade Area: Proposing transformative strategic actions”, brought together African leaders, policymakers & youth advocates to chart the continent’s economic future.
A Platform for Youth Leadership
At the youth-focused side event, CEO Jallouli delivered a compelling presentation on “The Role of Youth in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Agenda: Opportunities & Challenges.” Her participation alongside distinguished panelists from across the continent underscored the critical importance of youth voices in shaping Africa’s economic transformation.
The conference took place at a pivotal moment for African economic integration, as ECA Executive Secretary Claver Gatete described the AfCFTA as “Africa’s master plan for economic renewal”, the event emphasized the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to unlock the continent’s economic potential through the world’s largest free trade area since the World Trade Organization’s establishment.
Championing Inclusivity
During her presentation, Jallouli emphasized the transformative potential of young entrepreneurs, particularly those with disabilities, to leverage the AfCFTA’s opportunities for creating innovative & inclusive solutions. With the AfCFTA’s projected market size of 1.3 billion people, she highlighted how this vast economic space could become a catalyst for disability-inclusive entrepreneurship across the continent.
The HawKar CEO’s advocacy aligned perfectly with the conference’s broader goals. As AfCFTA Secretariat Secretary General Wamkele Mene noted, “The priority for the African Continental Free Trade Area is full implementation of the initiative as Africa reaches for greater resilience, economic diversification & self-sufficiency”, Jallouli’s focus on inclusion ensures that this vision encompasses all of Africa’s youth, regardless of ability.
Addressing Systemic Barriers
In her presentation, Jallouli outlined critical structural changes needed to support African youth entrepreneurship. She emphasized the importance of:
- Simplifying trade procedures to reduce bureaucratic barriers that disproportionately affect small-scale entrepreneurs
- Ensuring transparent digital platforms that make trade processes accessible to all, including entrepreneurs with disabilities
- Establishing accessible export insurance schemes that provide financial security for young businesses venturing into continental markets
Targeted Solutions for Entrepreneurs with Disabilities
Jallouli drew particular attention to the specific challenges faced by entrepreneurs with disabilities, advocating for tailored policy measures including:
- Preferential tariffs that recognize the additional barriers faced by disability-led businesses
- Improved data collection to better understand and serve this often-marginalized entrepreneurial segment
- Accessible infrastructure that enables full participation in the continental economy
These recommendations addressed a critical gap in current AfCFTA implementation strategies, ensuring that the continent’s economic transformation is truly inclusive.
Strategic Timing & Global Context
The conference’s timing was particularly significant. As noted by Riyad Mezzour, Chair of the Bureau of African Ministers of Finance and Economic Planning, “Implementing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is not a one-time event but a comprehensive and ongoing process that requires patience, tact & strategic planning”. Jallouli’s participation ensured that youth perspectives, especially those of entrepreneurs with disabilities, were integral to this ongoing process.
Strengthening HawKar’s Continental Impact
This high-profile participation reinforces HawKar’s position as a leading advocate for inclusive entrepreneurship in Africa. The company’s representation at such a prestigious forum demonstrates its commitment to promoting an accessible African economy where all youth can contribute meaningfully to continental growth & innovation.
