President John Dramani Mahama has called for stronger international partnerships to address Africa’s transport infrastructure deficits, warning that inadequate roads, railways and port facilities are preventing the continent from fully benefiting from the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
He said the absence of efficient transport links between African countries continued to undermine efforts to establish a single continental market, limiting the movement of goods and the expansion of intra-African trade.
President Mahama made the remarks ahead of a planned bilateral meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, where discussions are expected to provide an opportunity to strengthen cooperation between Africa and Russia.
He observed that although African countries had established the AfCFTA to facilitate trade across the continent, the lack of supporting infrastructure remained a major obstacle to achieving its objectives.
“Even though we have passed what we call the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) which makes the whole of Africa one market, we cannot get the full potential of the AfCFTA because we do not even have the infrastructure for trading amongst ourselves,” he said.
The President identified poor road networks connecting neighbouring countries, limited railway connectivity and inadequate port facilities as key challenges that needed urgent attention to improve the movement of goods across borders.
He stressed the need for partnerships with countries possessing the expertise and resources to support Africa’s infrastructure development, pointing to Russia as a potential partner in addressing the continent’s development needs.
President Mahama described Russia as a longstanding ally of Africa, recalling its historical support for the continent’s struggles against colonialism and apartheid.
“Russia has been a friend and has expressed solidarity with Africa on very key issues. You took part in the fight against apartheid, advocacy against colonialism and so we see Russia as a true friend,” he said.
He expressed optimism that deeper engagement between Africa and Russia could strengthen bilateral relations and advance shared development priorities, including efforts to improve the infrastructure needed to make the AfCFTA more effective.
The President’s remarks highlight the importance of transport connectivity in translating the AfCFTA’s ambition of a unified continental market into increased trade and stronger economic cooperation among African countries.
