Trade Liberalization, Industrialization, and Infrastructure Development Take Center Stage at Africa Prosperity Dialogues

ACCRA, Ghana (BG) – African leaders reaffirmed their commitment to economic integration through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) at the Africa Prosperity Dialogues (APD) 2025, held Jan. 30–Feb. 1 at the Accra International Conference Centre, Ghana.

The discussions focused on trade liberalization, industrialization, and infrastructure development to drive Africa’s economic transformation.

At the summit, Ghanaian President John Mahama emphasized AfCFTA’s potential to create the world’s largest free trade area, unlocking a $3.4 trillion market and fostering job creation.

The APD is a high-profile platform that brings together Africa’s political, business, and thought leaders to advance the continent’s integration and shared prosperity in alignment with the African Union’s Agenda 2063.

Mahama stressed that trade liberalization alone is insufficient, calling for massive investment in infrastructure, supply chains, and harmonized trade policies to ensure the initiative’s success.

Togolese President Faure Gnassingbé, a champion of Africa’s transport sector, highlighted the importance of resilient infrastructure to support trade integration.

He advocated for strategic investments in roads, ports, and digital infrastructure, arguing that without them, the idea of a common market remains “theoretical.”

Inclusive Growth and Industrialization

Gnassingbé also proposed a pragmatic and inclusive integration model that acknowledges Africa’s economic disparities.

“The path to integration will not be the same for smaller economies as for larger ones,” he noted, calling for compensation mechanisms and targeted investments to bridge economic gaps.

Other speakers, including business leaders and policymakers, echoed these sentiments, stressing that Africa’s economic sovereignty depends on its ability to process raw materials, enhance local industries, and embrace digital transformation.

Key AfCFTA Initiatives to Drive Trade

Wamkele Mene, secretary-general of the AfCFTA Secretariat, outlined key AfCFTA initiatives to strengthen intra-African trade.

He highlighted the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) for cross-border payments, the AfCFTA Adjustment Fund for trade finance, and the Digital Trade Protocol for Africa’s digital economy.

These initiatives mark significant progress toward deeper economic integration and shared prosperity.

“I believe that in 30 years, our continent will be very competitive in the world,” Mene said.

He added, “We must reduce and eliminate barriers across Africa to help with the movement of goods and services.”

“We have delivered the first of its kind—the protocol of digital trade in Africa—to help us benefit from Africa’s digital economy.”

Organized by the Africa Prosperity Network in partnership with the AfCFTA Secretariat, APD champions bold collaborations, actionable policies, and bankable projects to unlock Africa’s potential as the world’s largest single market, benefiting more than 1.4 billion people.