John Dramani Mahama proposes Africa-Caribbean trade bloc via AfCFTA

President John Dramani Mahama has announced an ambitious plan to integrate the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) with the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) to create a massive inter-continental trading bloc. Speaking at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Antigua and Barbuda, the President emphasized that the move is essential for deepening economic cooperation and harnessing new opportunities for development between the two regions. He highlighted Ghana's strategic position as the host of the AfCFTA Secretariat in Accra, positioning the country as a gateway for Caribbean businesses to access a market of approximately 1.4 billion people. The President’s proposal includes several practical initiatives aimed at facilitating this economic partnership, such as the establishment of direct air travel links and the promotion of labor exchange programs. During the summit, President Mahama held discussions with the Prime Minister of the Bahamas, Philip Davis, where they explored opportunities for joint investment and trade. The President noted that aligning the two regional economic blocs would create significant growth opportunities for member states by removing barriers and leveraging shared cultural and economic histories. Looking ahead, President Mahama linked these trade goals to his upcoming tenure as the Chairperson of the African Union (AU), which is set to begin in January 2027. He pledged to use his leadership at the AU to prioritize the full implementation of the AfCFTA and the deepening of continental integration. By championing trade partnerships beyond the African continent, particularly with the Caribbean, Mahama aims to foster a more robust global economic presence for African nations while focusing on regional peace and security.