ASK any traveller about moving across Africa, and you will likely hear about high costs, indirect routes, and unpredictable schedules. These challenges expose the urgent need for deeper economic integration and seamless connectivity across the continent.
AfCFTA: a game-changer for African trade
The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) presents a massive opportunity for economic transformation. According to the World Bank, it will be the world’s largest free trade zone, covering 1.4 billion people and a combined GDP of $3.4 trillion. If implemented effectively, it could double intra-African trade within a decade, up from the current 15 percent—a stark contrast to Asia’s 60 percent and Europe’s 65 percent.
However, unlocking AfCFTA’s full potential requires two essential components: robust physical infrastructure and modern institutional frameworks. These elements serve as the ‘hardware’ and ‘software’ needed to power Africa’s economic future.
Bridging the infrastructure gap
Africa faces an annual infrastructure financing deficit of $130–170bn, affecting transportation, energy, and digital connectivity. While global partners have supported infrastructure projects, Africa must now take the lead in investing in its own future.
The key lies in mobilising local capital to build confidence among international investors. African sovereign wealth funds, pension funds, and private investors can provide significant funding. Development finance institutions, such as the African Development Bank, must play a catalytic role by channelling domestic resources into transformative projects. Initiatives like the Alliance for Green Infrastructure in Africa (AGIA) are already demonstrating this approach, aiming to develop a $10bn portfolio of green infrastructure projects.
Digital trade: the key to seamless integration
Beyond physical infrastructure, Africa must modernise its ‘software’ by upgrading trade policies and institutional frameworks. Outdated manual systems hinder trade efficiency, creating unnecessary costs and delays.
The Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) is a game-changing solution, set to save $5bn annually by streamlining cross-border payments. Similarly, blockchain technology has the potential to cut trade costs by 20 percent while reducing fraud and improving market access. The {upcoming} AU Summit in Addis Ababa presents a critical moment to finalise the AfCFTA Protocol on Digital Trade, a vital step toward a fully integrated economy.
A future built on African investment
Africa’s ability to move beyond raw material exports and become a global industrial and agricultural powerhouse depends on its commitment to economic transformation. Investing in essential services—financial services, transport, logistics, education, and healthcare—will create an integrated business environment that benefits all Africans, particularly youth and women.
With Africa’s youth population set to double by 2050, the urgency of this transformation cannot be overstated. By prioritising infrastructure, technology, and economic reforms, Africa can shift from being the world’s largest free trade area by membership to becoming its most innovative and dynamic economic powerhouse.
This is Africa’s moment to take control of its economic destiny.
Amadou Hott is Senegal’s official nominee for the position of President of the African Development Bank and a former Minister of Economy and planning, Senegal (www.AmadouHott.com)
