President John Dramani Mahama has highlighted the transformative potential of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) during the Africa Prosperity Dialogues (APD) 2025.
Speaking at the event, Mahama emphasised that AfCFTA, with its potential to create the largest free trade area in the world, offers a game-changing opportunity for African businesses, entrepreneurs, and industries.
“One of the most transformative initiatives of our time is the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). With the potential to create the largest free trade area in the world, AfCFTA represents a game-changing opportunity for African businesses, entrepreneurs, and industries,” Mahama stated.
However, Mahama stressed that trade liberalisation alone is not sufficient to unlock the full potential of AfCFTA. He outlined three key actions that must be taken to ensure the success of the initiative:
Invest in Infrastructure: Mahama called for investments in efficient roads, rail networks, ports, and digital connectivity to facilitate trade across the continent.
Strengthen Intra-African Supply Chains: He emphasised the need to ensure that African industries produce goods and services that meet regional and global standards.
Harmonise Trade Policies: Mahama highlighted the importance of eliminating non-tariff barriers and reducing business costs across borders to create a seamless trading environment.
“Committing to these actions can unlock a $3.4 trillion market, creating jobs and prosperity for millions of Africans,” Mahama remarked.
The APD 2025 brought together leaders and stakeholders to discuss strategies for achieving sustainable development and economic growth across Africa.
Mahama’s remarks underscored the critical role of AfCFTA in driving the continent’s economic transformation and the need for collaborative efforts to achieve this vision.
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