President John Dramani Mahama has identified inadequate transport infrastructure across Africa as a major barrier to maximising the benefits of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
He said poor road networks between countries, limited railway connectivity and inadequate port facilities were making it difficult for African countries to trade efficiently, despite the agreement’s ambition to establish a single continental market.
Speaking ahead of a planned bilateral meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, President Mahama noted that while the AfCFTA had created the framework for a unified African market, the lack of infrastructure to facilitate the movement of goods continued to undermine its full potential.
“Even though we have passed what we call the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) which makes the whole of Africa one market, we cannot get the full potential of the AfCFTA because we do not even have the infrastructure for trading amongst ourselves,” he said.
He cited poor roads linking neighbouring countries, the absence of railway connections and inadequate port facilities as some of the infrastructure gaps that needed to be addressed to improve intra-African trade.
President Mahama called for stronger partnerships to help address these challenges, identifying Russia as a potential partner in Africa’s development. He described Russia as a longstanding ally of Africa, citing its historical support for the continent’s struggles against colonialism and apartheid.
“Russia has been a friend and has expressed solidarity with Africa on very key issues. You took part in the fight against apartheid, advocacy against colonialism and so we see Russia as a true friend,” he said.
He added that closer cooperation between Africa and Russia could help strengthen their relationship and advance shared development priorities.
