Vice President calls on African Leaders to prioritize infrastructure development and policy integration to unlock full potential of AfCFTA…

Ghana’s Vice President, Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, has made a compelling call to action for African leaders to prioritize infrastructure development and policy integration to unlock the full potential of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).Speaking at the 3rd Africa Prosperity Dialogues 2025 in Accra, she emphasized the crucial role of strong partnerships between governments and the private sector in unlocking Africa’s economic potential.Prof. Opoku-Agyemang delivered a keynote address on the theme “Delivering Africa’s Single Market Through Infrastructure: Invest, Connect, Integrate,” where she highlighted the hindrances posed by Africa’s fragmented markets to trade and economic growth.Despite the continent’s impressive population of 1.4 billion and a combined GDP of over $3.4 trillion, much of its potential remains untapped due to barriers restricting free trade and investment.“Integration is not just a theoretical concept; it is a lifeline to our collective future,” she stated. “By breaking down barriers and creating a single market, we can unlock immense opportunities, create jobs for our youth, and lift millions out of poverty.”Prof. Opoku-Agyemang commended the AfCFTA Secretariat and the Africa Prosperity Network for fostering dialogue between leaders from the public and private sectors.

The Vice President also underscored the vital role of women in Africa’s trade sector, noting that they dominate cross-border business but face unnecessary obstacles, including restrictive regulations and inadequate infrastructure.To address these challenges, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang stressed the urgent need for investment in transportation, energy, and digital infrastructure, which she described as the backbone of a successful single market.While acknowledging that African governments have traditionally shouldered infrastructure development, she emphasized the importance of stronger collaboration with the private sector to bridge the continent’s infrastructure gaps. Citing Ghana’s progress in modernizing its ports and airports, expanding road and railway networks, and investing in energy infrastructure, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang encouraged Africa to scale up digital financial solutions like mobile money interoperability to facilitate seamless transactions across borders.In her concluding remarks, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang called on African leaders to take decisive action in driving the single market agenda, stressing that the continent’s economic success hinges on their collective will and commitment. “As we engage in these discussions, let us work together, network, collaborate, and share ideas that move us closer to a fully integrated African market,” she urged.