On 11–12 June 2026 at Nobleza Hotel, Kigali Attorneys and Partners had the privilege of contributing to the workshop “Making the AfCFTA Work for Rwanda’s Women and Youth Traders,” organized by the tralac | Trade Law Centre
The workshop brought together trade experts, public institutions, academics, entrepreneurs, traders, students, and legal professionals with a shared goal: enhancing awareness and access to opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), especially for women, youth, and SMEs.
As a law firm committed to Africa’s economic growth, Kigali Attorneys and Partners worked closely with TRALAC to support coordination and contribute legal insights to the discussions.
We also had the privilege of collaborating with distinguished experts, including Mrs Trudi Hartzenberg, Executive Director of TRALAC, as well as other speakers who shared valuable insights on Rules of Origin, Non-Tariff Barriers (NTBs), Digital Trade Tools, the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS), the Protocol on Women and Youth in Trade, and the numerous opportunities offered by the AfCFTA.
A key contribution was made by Counsel GITINYWA Louis, Senior Partner at Kigali Attorneys and Partners, who provided legal insights on Non-Tariff Barriers and their impact on cross-border trade.
The discussions highlighted that many traders and SMEs still struggle with identifying, reporting, and addressing NTBs, as well as accessing legal remedies to protect their commercial interests and ensure fair trade practices. The AfCFTA requires more than market access, it requires understanding of trade regulations, customs procedures, Rules of Origin, commercial contracts, and dispute resolution mechanisms. Legal guidance is therefore essential for businesses to fully benefit from the continental market.
Kigali Attorneys and Partners remains committed to supporting SMEs, cooperatives, women-led businesses, and youth entrepreneurs through legal services in cross-border trade, contracts, customs matters, and dispute resolution.
We appreciate tralac | Trade Law Centre for the partnership and for its commitment to advancing African economic integration.
We are proud to have contributed to this initiative and remain committed to future collaborations.
We strongly believe that empowering businesses with legal knowledge, training, and access to information is key to unlocking the full potential of African trade.
