Vice President of the Republic of Ghana ,Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang has emphasized that the key to Africa’s economic future lies in stronger regional integration, which she believes is crucial for unlocking sustainable growth and ensuring shared prosperity.
In her keynote address at the 2025 Africa Prosperity Dialogues, Professor Opoku-Agyemang stated that the success of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) relies heavily on enhanced connectivity, infrastructure development, and policy coordination among African nations.
She urged African leaders to prioritize investments aimed at dismantling trade barriers, promoting industrialization, and establishing a cohesive market capable of competing effectively on the global stage.
“Africa’s fragmented markets hinder our full economic potential. While our continent is home to 1.4 billion people and boasts a combined GDP of more than 3.4 trillion dollars, we will not realize our true economic power if our markets remain divided,” she explained. “Regional integration is not just a theoretical idea; it is a crucial lifeline for our collective future.”
Professor Opoku-Agyemang stressed that by breaking down these barriers and creating a single market, Africa could unlock immense opportunities, create jobs for its growing youth population, and lift millions out of poverty.
AfCFTA: A Key to Prosperity for All Africans
Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, Chairperson of the Africa Prosperity Dialogues, also highlighted the transformative potential of the AfCFTA. She called on African leaders to fully leverage the agreement in order to drive economic growth and foster a competitive, integrated market.
“The AfCFTA is more than just a policy framework—it is a generational mandate that seeks to unite our economies, facilitate trade, and unlock prosperity for all Africans. It is the key to freeing us from the economic constraints that have kept Africa underdeveloped for far too long,” Dr. Dlamini-Zuma said.
Digital Payments as a Catalyst for Economic Integration
Meanwhile, on the sidelines of the event, MTN Ghana CEO Stephen Blewett emphasized the crucial role of digital payments in promoting financial inclusion and streamlining trade across the continent. He pointed out that expanding digital financial services would play a vital role in enabling seamless transactions and economic activities throughout Africa.
Picture Credit : NDC
