The Call for Economic Integration in Africa
Addis Ababa, March 11, 2026 – Leaders in policy and finance have urged stronger implementation of the continent’s economic integration agenda to accelerate industrialization, trade, and inclusive development across Africa. This call comes as part of a broader push to unlock the full potential of the African market.
In an exclusive interview, Gabby Asare Otchere-Darko, Executive Chairman of the Africa Prosperity Network, emphasized the importance of building a unified African market. He argued that this is essential for unlocking the continent’s economic potential and creating jobs for its growing population.
Otchere-Darko noted that there is increasing consensus among African leaders and institutions that deeper economic integration offers the most viable path toward sustainable continental development. He pointed out that there is an overwhelming understanding and acceptance that economic integration is the way forward for Africa in terms of giving economies the scale needed for industrialization, manufacturing, intra-African trade, and job creation.
He also highlighted the challenges posed by the continent’s fragmented economies, which were largely shaped by colonial-era borders. These divisions continue to limit trade expansion and economic opportunities, particularly for Africa’s rapidly growing youth population.
“If we have an integrated economy of 1.5 billion consumers, then we’ll be going somewhere. But if we remain as fragmented as we are, it will continue to arrest our development and detain our progress,” he stated.
Otchere-Darko further pointed out that Africa already has the legal framework required to achieve integration, referring to the Abuja Treaty as the roadmap toward establishing a continental single market. He mentioned that the treaty sets a deadline of 2028 for the establishment of a single market, which is just two years away.
He also emphasized the growing importance of digital integration, particularly the need for mobile money interoperability across the continent. This, he said, is critical because the digital market is one of the biggest ways of creating inclusivity for women, youth, and rural communities.
The Role of the African Continental Free Trade Area
Manuel Moses, CEO of the African Trade & Investment Development Insurance (ATIDI), also emphasized the importance of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) in expanding trade among African countries. He noted that the agreement has the potential to unlock significant economic opportunities by reducing barriers and encouraging greater cross-border commerce across the continent.
According to Moses, intra-African trade remains significantly lower compared to other regions of the world. He explained that other regions trade in the order of 60 percent of their GDP, while the equivalent number in Africa is only 16 percent. This highlights the long way Africa still has to go in terms of regional trade.
Moses added that strengthening trade and investment across the continent could unlock the potential of Africa’s 3.5 trillion USD economy while creating employment opportunities for millions of young people. He also highlighted the importance of financial instruments that can unlock investment across African markets.
Moses explained that ATIDI provides political risk and credit insurance to investors, enabling them to secure financing and expand investments in African economies. He noted that the institution is a pan-African initiative and that Ethiopia is a member alongside 23 other countries.
According to the CEO, ATIDI is already supporting projects in Ethiopia, particularly in the telecommunications sector, and is exploring opportunities to expand its support for infrastructure development in the country and across the region.
“We are already actively working in Ethiopia on several projects that we have done in the telecoms, and we are looking forward to also support infrastructure projects in the country and across the region,” he stated.
About the African Trade & Investment Development Insurance
The African Trade & Investment Development Insurance is a regional multilateral insurer that offers political risk and credit insurance to investors and lenders operating across Africa. Its mission is to promote trade, infrastructure development, and sustainable economic growth in its member states.
