President Mahama calls for major infrastructure investment to unlock AfCFTA potential

President John Dramani Mahama (Right) and AfCFTA Secretary-General Wamkele Mene

President John Dramani Mahama has called for significant investment in infrastructure to fully realise the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

In a meeting with AfCFTA Secretary-General Wamkele Mene at the Jubilee House, President Mahama emphasised that without robust transport and digital infrastructure, the continent’s vision of economic integration will remain unattainable.

“To truly unlock the full potential of the AfCFTA Agreement, our continent needs massive investment in infrastructure. From robust transportation networks, such as roads and rail, to seamless digital connectivity, these are the arteries of trade,” President Mahama said in a Facebook post on July 19, 2025, following the meeting.

He further cautioned that inadequate connections across the continent continue to impede the efficient exchange of goods and services, thereby slowing Africa’s progress toward regional integration and sustainable development.

“The AU-NEPAD vision calls for proactive steps to open up our economies. Without reliable links between our nations, trade cannot flourish,” he added.

President Mahama highlighted the Abidjan–Lagos corridor as a prime example of how targeted infrastructure investment could transform commerce in the region.

He proposed extending the corridor to Dakar, arguing that it would create a seamless trade route and significantly boost intra-African commerce.

“Imagine the impact of investing in crucial corridors like the Abidjan–Lagos route and extending it to Dakar, it would be a game-changer,” he said.

Reaffirming Ghana’s commitment to the AfCFTA agenda, President Mahama said the country remains proud to host the AfCFTA Secretariat and will continue to support its work.

“I reaffirmed my unwavering commitment to facilitating the work of the Secretariat. Ghana will always stand with the vision of a united, prosperous Africa through trade,” he concluded.

The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is a landmark initiative that seeks to create a single market for goods and services across the continent, with the goal of boosting intra-African trade and accelerating economic development. Established under the African Continental Free Trade Agreement, the AfCFTA officially entered into force in 2019 and now encompasses the majority of African nations.

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