Vice President Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang has urged African leaders to demonstrate a firm collective will and take decisive action to ensure the successful implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Speaking at the Africa Prosperity Dialogue (APD 2025) held at the Accra International Conference Centre, she addressed over 4,000 delegates, including more than eight Heads of State. She underscored the immense potential of AfCFTA in transforming Africa’s economic landscape but noted that its success depends on the commitment and collaboration of all stakeholders.

AfCFTA, the world’s largest free trade area by the number of participating countries, aims to create a single market for goods and services, fostering economic integration among African nations. With a combined market of over 1.3 billion people and a GDP exceeding $3.4 trillion, the initiative presents a unique opportunity to accelerate Africa’s economic development.

Prof. Opoku-Agyemang emphasized that for AfCFTA to achieve its full potential, African nations must work together to eliminate trade barriers, enhance infrastructure, and invest in digital connectivity. “The success of the single market depends on our collective will and decisive action. We must accelerate progress to ensure that Africa’s gains are realized for this generation and future ones,” she stated.

Addressing Trade Barriers and Infrastructure Challenges

One of the critical challenges to the effective implementation of AfCFTA is the existence of numerous trade barriers, including tariffs, non-tariff measures, and inadequate infrastructure. Prof. Opoku-Agyemang stressed that addressing these barriers is essential for the smooth movement of goods, services, and investments across the continent.

She urged policymakers, business leaders, and development partners to work towards a seamless integration of African economies. “As we engage in today’s sessions, I encourage all of us to collaborate, exchange ideas, and push Africa closer to a fully integrated market,” she added.

The Vice President highlighted the need for African governments to prioritize investments in transportation networks, energy supply, and digital infrastructure. These developments, she noted, would enhance connectivity and improve trade efficiency, ultimately driving economic growth.

In today’s digital economy, technology plays a vital role in facilitating trade and economic growth. Prof. Opoku-Agyemang pointed out that investing in digital infrastructure and ensuring affordable internet access across the continent would empower businesses, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), to participate actively in intra-African trade.

Digital platforms can streamline trade processes, reduce transaction costs, and enhance market access for businesses. Additionally, e-commerce, digital payments, and blockchain technology can help improve transparency and efficiency in cross-border transactions.

Boosting Industrialization and Job Creation

A fully operational AfCFTA is expected to drive industrialization and job creation in Africa by promoting local manufacturing and reducing dependency on imports. Prof. Opoku-Agyemang noted that the free trade area would encourage value addition, allowing African countries to move up the global value chain.

By fostering industrial development, AfCFTA has the potential to create millions of jobs, particularly for the continent’s growing youth population. This, in turn, would help reduce unemployment and improve living standards.

Moreover, increased intra-African trade would lead to greater economic resilience by reducing reliance on external markets and strengthening the continent’s ability to withstand global economic shocks.

Prof. Opoku-Agyemang emphasized that achieving AfCFTA’s objectives requires strong political will from African leaders. Governments must align their policies with the goals of the free trade area and create an enabling environment for businesses to thrive.

She also called on the private sector to take an active role in driving AfCFTA’s implementation. Business leaders and entrepreneurs must seize the opportunities presented by the single market, invest in cross-border trade, and leverage regional value chains.

Furthermore, she encouraged development partners to support African countries in building the necessary infrastructure and regulatory frameworks to facilitate smooth trade integration.