The Board Chairman of MTN Ghana, Dr Ishmael Yamson, has called for stronger commitment from African governments to fully implement the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), describing the agreement as a major opportunity to reshape the continent’s economic future.
Dr Yamson said while the creation of AfCFTA represented a historic milestone in Africa’s drive for economic integration, its true impact would only be realised if member states took practical steps to implement the agreement effectively.
Speaking on the eighth episode of The Y’ello Chair, MTN’s vodcast platform that features discussions with African leaders and industry figures, he said Africa must move beyond traditional approaches that have failed to deliver the desired economic transformation.
“I think there is a realisation growing in Africa that we cannot continue to do the same things and expect different outcomes. Certain things must fundamentally change,” he said.
According to Dr Yamson, governments across the continent need support to overcome implementation challenges and ensure that AfCFTA becomes a functioning economic framework capable of driving growth.
“I think AfCFTA is a major step that Africa is taking. What we need to do is to make sure that countries are helped to share the burden and execute it fully. Because if we execute AfCFTA in full, Africa will be a different continent,” he stated.
He argued that the benefits of AfCFTA extend beyond increased trade, noting that a fully integrated African market would encourage the movement of capital, resources and people across borders.
Dr Yamson advocated for the development of a continental immigration framework similar to that of the European Union to facilitate legal movement of Africans, allowing citizens to work and contribute economically in different countries while respecting national laws.
He also urged African nations to overcome historical, linguistic and regional divisions, including the distinctions between Anglophone and Francophone countries, in favour of stronger cooperation.
The MTN Ghana Board Chairman said deeper integration would create a larger market for businesses, attract investment and promote sustainable economic development.
Looking into the future, Dr Yamson said Africa must build systems that allow citizens to move freely, promote professional governance and address corruption to create better opportunities for coming generations.
He identified Africa’s youthful population as one of the continent’s biggest assets, noting that nearly 70 per cent of Africans are below the age of 30 and could become a major driver of innovation, productivity and economic growth.
Dr Yamson called for stronger collaboration between governments and the private sector to achieve Africa’s development goals.
“If we work together as one team chasing one goal, Africa will be a different continent. I hope we can make it,” he said.
