NextBillion - An Initiative of the William Davidson Institute at the University of Michigan

West Africa Economic Summit 2025 – Youth Futures Roundtable

​Who Should Attend:
Young entrepreneurs, startup founders, ecosystem builders, policymakers, trade experts, and youth advocates from Anglophone West Africa interested in regional trade, innovation, and economic integration.

​What It’s About:
A 90-minute virtual roundtable, hosted by the Abuja and Lagos Global Shapers Hubs, will explore how young people are shaping trade and innovation under the AfCFTA. Through expert panels, breakout discussions, and live polling, participants will share ideas and solutions on improving access to capital, enabling cross-border trade through digital platforms, and strengthening youth-led innovation ecosystems.

​Why It Matters:
Insights from this roundtable will inform the official WAES 2025 Youth Briefing Paper and contribute to regional policy conversations on economic integration and youth empowerment.

Time: 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM EDT