The long-term success of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) will depend on Africa’s ability to strengthen regional cooperation, improve trade facilitation systems and create an enabling environment for businesses to thrive across borders, according to Mohammed Ali.
Speaking on the AfCFTA Podcast, Mohammed Ali, Director in charge of Trade in Goods at the AfCFTA Secretariat, said the continent’s ambitious free trade agreement requires more than the removal of tariffs to achieve its transformative goals.
He explained that while the AfCFTA provides the framework for creating a single African market, its effectiveness will be determined by the commitment of member states to implement coordinated policies, strengthen institutions and modernize trade systems.
According to him, African countries must work collectively to ensure the seamless movement of goods and services across borders if they are to unlock the full economic benefits of continental integration.
A major priority, he noted, is improving trade facilitation measures to reduce the cost of doing business and enhance Africa’s competitiveness.
He stressed that efficient border management, streamlined customs procedures, modern logistics networks and improved transport infrastructure are essential for boosting intra-African trade and attracting investment into productive sectors of the economy.
“Trade facilitation remains one of the most important factors in making African businesses competitive and ensuring that goods move efficiently across borders,” he said.
Mohammed Ali also highlighted the need for stronger collaboration among governments, regional economic blocs, development partners and private sector stakeholders to address persistent barriers that continue to constrain trade on the continent.
These challenges include inadequate infrastructure, regulatory inconsistencies, logistics bottlenecks and limited industrial capacity in several African countries.
He noted that addressing these constraints would help businesses take full advantage of the opportunities being created under the AfCFTA and support efforts to build regional value chains.
The Director identified small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) as central to the success of the AfCFTA, describing them as the backbone of most African economies.
He said policies aimed at simplifying customs processes, harmonising payment systems and expanding digital trade platforms could significantly improve access to regional markets for SMEs.
According to him, women-owned businesses and youth-led enterprises stand to benefit substantially from these reforms, as they often face greater barriers in accessing markets and cross-border trade opportunities.
The discussion also highlighted the growing role of digital trade in accelerating Africa’s economic transformation.
Mohammed Ali observed that digital technologies are helping businesses overcome geographical limitations, improve operational efficiency and connect with customers across multiple markets.
He said integrated payment systems and digital trade frameworks would be critical in supporting the growth of e-commerce and enhancing participation in regional trade.
The AfCFTA Podcast forms part of broader efforts by the AfCFTA Secretariat to increase awareness of the Agreement and encourage stakeholder engagement in its implementation.
Through such platforms, policymakers, businesses and development partners are able to exchange ideas on how to maximise the benefits of the continental free trade area and advance Africa’s industrialisation and economic development agenda.
As implementation of the AfCFTA gains momentum, stakeholders continue to emphasise that stronger cooperation, efficient trade systems and inclusive growth policies will be essential to creating a truly integrated African market.
