The inaugural edition of Trade Queen Africa has been launched in Accra with the aim of stimulating the African economy and empowering women, according to Siita Sofo Hissan, Executive Director of Trade Queen Africa.

Mr Hissan revealed that 24 countries have formally applied for the Trade Queen Africa Pageant, including South Africa, Ghana, Zambia, Ethiopia, Zimbabwe, Uganda, South Sudan, and Liberia, among others. The pageant will span six months, with each participating country conducting four months of national competitions, adhering to approved guidelines.

At the national level, selected contestants will undergo one week of housing and grooming, culminating in a final event where the winner will be chosen. The chosen candidates will then proceed to the continental phase in Accra, Ghana, where they will spend a month in housing, with activities live-streamed from the pageant house for public voting. The winner will be crowned as Miss Trade Queen.

The final event will feature a three-day exhibition, networking opportunities, panel discussions, entertainment, and cultural displays, leading to the crowning of the Queen, first runner-up, second runner-up, and consolation prizes.

The winner of the Trade Queen Africa Pageant will receive 10 items: a car, cash, certificates, crown, business capital, travel opportunities to any African country, sash, bouquet, academic scholarships, and mentoring, fully sponsored by Laweh University College, along with gifts from sponsors.

This initiative aims to enforce policies for women, provide a gateway for businesses to empower women, break borders, foster trade, and actively implement the African Continental Free Trade Area for a better Africa, as stated by Mr. Hissan. 

He expressed gratitude to the Secretary-General of AfCFTA, Wamkele Mene, for his invaluable support to the AfCFTA Young Entrepreneurs Federation (AfYEF) and his commitment to advancing women and youth in Africa.