Ghana’s President John Dramani Mahama has advocated for a strengthened trade framework under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to help accelerate trade among African nations.
Delivering a keynote address at Kenya’s Jamhuri Day celebrations on December 12, 2025, Mahama said Africa must break away from longstanding patterns that confine the continent to exporting raw materials while importing high-value finished goods.
He argued that enhancing regional trade and manufacturing capacity is essential for long-term economic transformation.
“We must increase trade among ourselves, and we recommend a trade protocol within the African Continental Free Trade Area,” Mahama stated.
He also emphasized the need for accountable governance and value addition to Africa’s natural resources, stressing that economic independence should be the continent’s next frontier.
Mahama concluded by encouraging African governments to empower the continent’s youth, describing them as a critical force for innovation, industry, and economic renewal.
