THE Africa Business Forum 2025 concluded on Monday with a resounding call for action to activate regional value chains and harness the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) for economic growth. Hosted at the Economic Commission for Africa’s (ECA) Africa Hall, the forum brought together heads of state, policymakers, and business leaders to address industrialisation and trade expansion challenges.
ECA Executive Secretary Claver Gatete stressed the importance of AfCFTA in reshaping Africa’s economic landscape by fostering value chains in pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and manufacturing. He emphasised the need to accelerate the agreement’s implementation, remove trade barriers, and reduce the high intra-African trade costs that hinder competitiveness. He pointed out that trading within Africa remains more expensive than trading with external markets, making infrastructure development and investment in value-added production crucial for sustainable growth.
The forum also showcased key initiatives designed to strengthen Africa’s industrial foundation. Among them, the Africa Electric Vehicle Project, a collaboration between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Zambia, was highlighted as an example of how economic zones, improved transport networks, and private sector engagement can drive sustainable development. Debt challenges also took centre stage, with concerns rising over Africa’s debt, which has now reached $1.21 trillion. Gatete called for cooperation between debt partners, including the Paris Club, non-Paris Club creditors, and private sector stakeholders, to find solutions that ensure economic stability and growth.
A presidential dialogue brought together key African leaders, including President Duma Gideon Boko of Botswana, President John Dramani Mahama of Ghana, and Deputy Prime Minister Alexandre Barro Chambrier of Gabon. Their discussions reinforced the need for pan-African cooperation in activating regional value chains and promoting industrialisation. Other panels focused on financing, trade facilitation, and technological innovation, with speakers offering practical strategies to bridge investment gaps and enhance Africa’s competitive position in global markets.
In his closing remarks, Gatete urged African nations to redefine global perceptions of African-made products. He emphasised that African goods are neither substandard nor unfinished but represent the continent’s growing industrial capabilities and economic potential. He called on governments and businesses to look inward and challenge the outdated narratives that have long affected Africa’s trade reputation.
The forum ended with a renewed commitment to regional integration, industrial development, and economic transformation. As African nations strive to maximise AfCFTA’s potential, the discussions signalled a strong collective effort to build resilient value chains, remove trade barriers, and position Africa as a key player in global commerce.
