President John Dramani Mahama
President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed the critical role of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) in transforming the continent’s economic landscape, stressing the need for immediate trade liberalisation, infrastructure development, and strengthened intra-African supply chains.
Speaking at the Africa Prosperity Dialogues 2025 in Accra on February 1, 2025, President Mahama underscored the urgency of these measures to ensure African nations fully benefit from the Agreement.
During a presidential session alongside President Azali Assoumani of Comoros and President Faure Gnassingbé of Togo, President Mahama expressed appreciation for their invaluable contributions to the discussions.
The session highlighted Africa’s shared vision for industrialisation and economic inclusion, recognising the importance of governance, infrastructure, and trade to achieve 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 boosting regional trade necessitates significant investment in transport, energy, and digital infrastructure to facilitate seamless cross-border trade.
Additionally, he called for the removal of trade barriers and the harmonisation of regulatory frameworks to create an integrated 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 served as a platform for African leaders to discuss pathways to economic transformation, reaffirming their commitment to the successful implementation of AfCFTA.
MA