The New Push to Break Africa’s Trade Barriers, by Abdulsalam Mahmud

The New Push to Break Africa’s Trade Barriers

By Abdulsalam Mahmud,

For decades, Africa has spoken passionately about economic integration, yet doing business across the continent has remained far more difficult than trading with Europe, Asia or North America. Goods produced in one African country often take longer, cost more and face greater bureaucratic obstacles before reaching another African market.

The irony is striking because no continent possesses the youthful population, natural resources and entrepreneurial energy that Africa does. Yet these advantages have not fully translated into thriving intra-African commerce. Statistics have consistently shown that trade among African countries remains significantly lower than in other regions of the world.

While Europe and Asia have built strong regional markets through efficient transport networks and harmonised trade policies, Africa continues to grapple with fragmented customs systems, poor infrastructure and cumbersome border procedures. These challenges have slowed economic growth and discouraged businesses from exploring opportunities beyond their national borders.

Consequently, African economies continue to rely heavily on markets outside the continent. The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) was conceived to change this narrative. More than just another continental agreement, AfCFTA represents Africa’s most ambitious economic integration project since independence.

Its goal is simple but transformative: create a single market where goods, services and investments move more freely across national boundaries. If fully implemented, it has the potential to redefine Africa’s economic future. However, agreements alone do not remove trade barriers. Real integration requires institutions capable of…