Former President John Dramani Mahama has underscored the urgent need for Africa to invest heavily in strategic infrastructure, particularly in transport and digital systems, to fully harness the benefits of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
He made the call during a visit by Mr. Wamkele Mene, Secretary-General of the AfCFTA Secretariat.
President Mahama pointed out that the lack of efficient road and rail networks across various regions of the continent continues to pose a major obstacle to the success of existing trade agreements.
He said achieving the goals of the African Union’s New Partnership for Africa’s Development (AU-NEPAD) requires deliberate efforts to enhance regional integration and open up economies.
Using the Abidjan-Lagos corridor as an example, Mahama stressed that expanding such transport routes—especially toward Dakar—would create a more efficient system for moving goods across borders, thereby strengthening intra-African trade.
He also referenced increasing trade activity between Ghana and its northern neighbors, including Burkina Faso and Mali, as evidence of the potential gains from improved connectivity. According to him, boosting infrastructure in such transit corridors could unlock significant economic opportunities for landlocked countries and coastal nations alike.
His remarks come as discussions around AfCFTA intensify, with stakeholders emphasizing the need for strong infrastructure to support the continent’s broader economic integration ambitions.
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