President John Dramani Mahama has highlighted the critical importance of economic integration in fostering sustainable development across Africa.
While the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) has laid the groundwork for a unified market, much work remains to be done in terms of policy alignment, infrastructure development, and regulatory harmonization to fully realize the potential of intra-African trade.
At the Institutional Reforms Retreat in Kenya, President Mahama called on African leaders to remove barriers to trade, both literal and metaphorical, that hinder the movement of goods and services across the continent.
“We must address the barriers to trade,” Mahama said, stressing the need to harmonize tariffs, customs procedures, and standards to ensure smoother commerce between African nations.
He also encouraged increased investments in infrastructure, particularly in transport, logistics, and technology, which will be crucial for the success of the AfCFTA and overall economic integration.
In his vision, AfCFTA is not just an economic initiative but a tool for pan-African unity, allowing African countries to trade with each other, create jobs, and reduce dependency on foreign markets.
President Mahama also urged the African Union to prioritize digital transformation as a key enabler of economic growth, emphasizing the need to establish an African digital payment system that will facilitate seamless trade and economic transactions across borders.
By: Shadrack Odame Agyare | Metrotvonline.com | Ghana
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