Language barriers and the slow adoption of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) framework by some member states continue to undermine efforts toward deeper regional integration, according to the Ghana Free Zones Authority (GFZA), which says these gaps risk limiting the effectiveness of trade corridors across the continent.
The concern was raised during the 7th Africa Ports Forum held in Accra, where policymakers, port authorities, logistics firms and trade stakeholders gathered to assess the future of Africa’s ports and transport corridors and their role in facilitating trade under the continental market framework.
Representing GFZA on a panel discussion on “Port and Multimodal Corridors; connecting Africa or Creating Gaps in Regional Integration?”, the Authority’s Deputy Chief Executive Officer for Finance and Administration, Mr. Musah Sibiri Hamidu, pointed to “language barriers” and the failure by some countries to ratify the AfCFTA Agreement as major constraints to achieving seamless trade integration.
He noted that broader adoption of the agreement within domestic legal systems would strengthen the continental framework and make AfCFTA a more effective mechanism for expanding trade across member states.
The observations align with ongoing efforts by African countries to accelerate cross-border trade and strengthen supply chains through transport and logistics infrastructure, while reducing non-tariff barriers that continue to affect market access.
Musah said GFZA remains committed to supporting the development of ports and trade corridors aimed at improving trade efficiency and reducing operational costs for Free Zones Enterprises (FZEs). He indicated that the Authority was working with partner institutions to improve regional port capabilities and create a more attractive environment for investors.
Mr. Musah Sibiri Hamidu
Providing an overview of GFZA’s mandate, he highlighted the Authority’s role in connecting Ghana to global value chains and supporting “free trade” objectives within the African market.
He further disclosed that the country’s Free Zones Scheme was transitioning toward a Special Economic Zone model, a move expected to expand investment opportunities and strengthen investor confidence.
The panel also featured representatives from the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC), the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), AfCFTA, the World Bank and the Lamu Port-South Sudan-Ethiopia Transport (LAPSSET) Corridor initiative.
The forum served as a platform for engagement on issues including port innovation, infrastructure development and sustainable operational practices across the maritime and logistics sectors.
