President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed the pivotal role of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) in reshaping the continent’s economic landscape, emphasising the need for immediate trade liberalisation, infrastructure development, and stronger intra-African supply chains.
Speaking at the Africa Prosperity Dialogues 2025 in Accra on 1 February 2025, President Mahama highlighted the urgency of these measures to ensure African nations fully reap the benefits of the Agreement.
During a presidential session alongside President Azali Assoumani of Comoros and President Faure Gnassingbé of Togo, President Mahama expressed gratitude for their invaluable contributions to the discussions.
The session underscored Africa’s collective vision for industrialisation and economic inclusion, recognising governance, infrastructure, and trade as key drivers of sustainable growth.
“Africa’s prosperity depends on our collective commitment to trade liberalisation and infrastructure investments,” President Mahama said.
He continued, “AfCFTA presents an unprecedented opportunity to enhance intra-African trade, drive industrialisation, and create economic opportunities for our youth and future generations. However, realising its full potential requires hard work and strategic collaboration with the private sector.”
President Mahama emphasised that enhancing regional trade requires substantial investment in transport, energy, and digital infrastructure to enable smooth cross-border commerce.
Furthermore, he urged the elimination of trade barriers and the harmonisation of regulatory frameworks to establish a unified market that benefits all African economies.
“We must strengthen our supply chains and enhance connectivity to ensure our businesses and industries can compete effectively. By working together, we can transform our economies and unlock Africa’s vast potential,” he added.
The Africa Prosperity Dialogues 2025 provided a platform for African leaders to explore pathways to economic transformation, reaffirming their commitment to the effective implementation of AfCFTA.