John Dramani Mahama identifies transport gaps as barrier to AfCFTA

President John Dramani Mahama has identified the lack of robust transport infrastructure across the African continent as a primary obstacle to the success of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Speaking ahead of a scheduled diplomatic engagement with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Mahama emphasized that the ambitious trade agreement requires more than just policy alignment; it necessitates physical connectivity to move goods and services efficiently between nations.

During his remarks, the President pointed to several specific infrastructure deficits that continue to plague intra-continental trade. He highlighted poor road networks, a lack of comprehensive railway connectivity, and under-equipped port facilities as the major factors driving up costs and slowing down logistics. Without addressing these physical barriers, Mahama argued that African nations would struggle to realize the economic integration and prosperity envisioned under the AfCFTA framework.

In anticipation of his meeting with President Putin, Mahama called for deeper international cooperation to bridge Africa’s infrastructure gap. He cited Russia’s historical relationship with the continent, particularly its support during anti-colonial movements, as a foundation for a strategic modern partnership. The President suggested that collaborative efforts could focus on developing the large-scale transport projects required to link disparate markets across Africa.

The push for infrastructure development comes at a time when AfCFTA is seeking to consolidate a market of over 1.3 billion people. Mahama’s comments underscore the urgency of shifting from planning to implementation, stressing that infrastructure remains the backbone of any successful free trade zone. By seeking external partnerships alongside internal investment, the President aims to unlock the full potential of African trade and ensure that the continent’s economic growth is both sustainable and integrated.