President John Dramani Mahama has emphasized the importance of self-reliance and economic cooperation among African nations during.
Stressing that, self-reliance is not only crucial at the national level but also on the continental level. He highlighted the progress made in implementing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which aims to create a single market for African countries. Most countries have ratified the protocol, and trade is beginning to grow steadily.
He was speaking at a recent town hall meeting under the theme “Building or Burning Bridges: Economic and Development Cooperation amid Multipolarization,” at Munich.
President Mahama was speaking at the Munich Security Conference, a leading international forum for discussing security and foreign policy issues. The conference brings together top leaders and experts from around the world to discuss pressing global challenges and develop solutions.
Mr. Mahama noted that African countries can now export goods tariff-free, which is a significant step forward. However, he acknowledged that there are still obstacles to overcome, particularly in developing infrastructure to facilitate trade among African nations. For centuries, trade channels have been focused on colonial powers in Europe, rather than intra-African trade.
To address this challenge, Mahama emphasized the need to develop infrastructure that supports trade among African countries. He also highlighted the progress made in allowing the free movement of people across the continent. The next step, he argued, is to achieve the free movement of goods and services, which will greatly benefit African countries.
In light of the US’s decision to halt foreign aid, Mahama believes that Africa will become more self-sufficient. He called for cooperation among nations to drive economic growth and development through the AfCFTA. By working together and leveraging their collective strengths, African countries can build a brighter economic future.
Freedom Lavoe/ Ahotoronline.com
