African business executives and investors have been encouraged to unite across borders to accelerate the continent’s economic transformation under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
President of the Africa CEO Club, Fatoumatta Gaye, made the appeal in a statement issued in Abuja, emphasizing that Africa’s development depends on deeper collaboration between governments, private sector players, and regional institutions. She described partnership as the “new currency of development,” stressing that progress can only be achieved when vision and cooperation align.
Gaye urged business leaders to expand their focus beyond domestic markets and invest in initiatives that strengthen intra-African trade and industrial growth. According to her, stronger alliances would open up opportunities for entrepreneurs, empower women in leadership, and create more pathways for youth innovation across the continent.
“By working together, we can unlock a future where African businesses are not competitors divided by borders but collaborators shaping a new economic frontier,” she said.
Despite Africa’s population of over 1.4 billion people, intra-African trade remains low—accounting for roughly 15 to 16 percent of the continent’s total trade, far behind Europe and Asia. Experts attribute this gap to inadequate infrastructure, inconsistent customs policies, and limited financing options for small businesses.
However, recent data shows promising growth. Nigeria’s trade with other African countries rose to ₦4.82 trillion in the first half of 2025, up from ₦4.21 trillion in the same period last year, according to the National Bureau of Statistics.
Gaye said that boosting such momentum requires continental unity and cross-border investment. “Every partnership we build brings us closer to an Africa that thrives on collaboration—an Africa that builds, innovates, and empowers together,” she added.
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Source:Africa Publicity
