Transportation Issue Must be Addressed for AfCFTA to Work – Minister Joof Tells Ghana Forum

By Mariatou Ngum

Gambian Minister of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration, and Employment, Babubacar Ousmaila Joof, stressed the imperative of addressing transportation and logistics challenges for the success of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Speaking at the second Africa Prosperity Dialogue in Ghana, where he represented President Adama Barrow, Minister Joof emphasised that tackling these issues would diminish trade costs, enhancing the continent’s appeal for trade and investments.

In his address, Minister Joof highlighted the need for collaborative efforts between businesses and governments, advocating for the crafting and harmonisation of policies in consultation with industry leaders and organisations.

He stressed the fundamental role of transport and logistics infrastructure in the implementation of AfCFTA, serving as a gateway to consumer markets, connecting raw materials to lucrative markets, promoting regional integration, and bolstering connectivity to the global economy. Minister Joof outlined that these factors directly influence a country’s trade competitiveness and overall economic standing.

He underlined the potential of AfCFTA to attract investments and transform key sectors with a continental market of 1.3 billion people and a combined GDP of $3.4 trillion.

“With the AfCFTA, an opportunity exists to attract investments in key areas for Africa’s transformation, boosting production, processing, and trade, with a continental market of 1.3 billion people and a combined GDP of $3.4 trillion,” he stated.

However, he stressed the necessity of an enhanced transportation and logistics system to facilitate the movement of goods and people across the continent for the successful realisation of AfCFTA’s objectives.

He concluded by highlighting the importance of relaxing tensions at borders and facilitating, rather than restricting movement as a crucial element for AfCFTA to triumph.