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The Africa Prosperity Network (APN) and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat have introduced a groundbreaking Infrastructure Compact, marking a decisive step towards Africa’s economic integration.
The comprehensive framework emerged from the Africa Prosperity Dialogues (APD) 2025, held from January 30 to February 1 at the Accra International Conference Centre.
The summit gathered over 5,000 participants, including African heads of state, industry leaders, CEOs, government ministers, policymakers, thought leaders, and development partners.
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Under the theme “Delivering Africa’s Single Market Through Infrastructure: Invest, Connect, and Integrate,” the summit convened prominent African leaders and policymakers to address critical infrastructure challenges on the continent. Among the distinguished attendees were:
- H.E. John Dramani Mahama, President of Ghana (Host)
- H.E. Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, President of Togo
- H.E. Azali Assoumani, President of the Union of Comoros
- H.E. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, Vice President of Ghana
- Honourable Ibrahim Boughali, Speaker, People’s National Assembly, Algeria
- Mr. Charles M’ba, Minister of Public Accounts and Debts, Gabon
- Mr. Mark Doumba, Minister of Economy and Participations, Gabon
- H.E. Wamkele Keabetswe Mene, AfCFTA Secretary-General
- Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, APN Advisory Council Chairperson
- Ambassador Édouard Nduwimana, Representative, Burundi
- Mr. Jean-Paul D’offray, Representative, Seychelles
The Infrastructure Compact outlines five transformative pillars designed for immediate implementation:
- Transport and Logistics Integration
- Implementation of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) to address the 30-40% cost premium on intra-African trade.
- Comprehensive air service liberalisation and execution of the Africa Integrated Maritime Strategy 2050.
- Energy Security and Power Integration
- Addressing power reliability challenges affecting over 30 African nations.
- Developing interconnected power grids and harmonised regional energy policies.
- Prioritising strategic projects like the Grand Inga Dam to boost sustainable energy access.
- Digital Transformation
- Establishing a five-year roadmap for pan-African mobile system interoperability.
- Investing in broadband infrastructure, e-commerce platforms, and unified regulatory frameworks to enhance digital trade.
- Healthcare and Social Infrastructure
- Strengthening healthcare systems with increased domestic pharmaceutical production capacity.
- Expanding digital health solutions, including integrated mobile payment and insurance platforms.
- Strategic Infrastructure Financing
- Mobilising £2 trillion from domestic capital markets, including pension funds, insurance companies, and sovereign wealth funds.
- Implementing streamlined regulations and risk mitigation mechanisms to attract investment.
Emphasising the need for urgent action, President Mahama declared:
“The decisions we make at this conference must not end in resolutions alone. We must act with urgency, determination, and a shared vision for prosperity. Let us rise to the occasion, break down the barriers that divide us, and build a strong, self-reliant, and globally competitive Africa.”
Presidents Gnassingbé and Assoumani echoed this commitment, while AfCFTA Secretary-General Wamkele Mene announced the launch of the AfCFTA Transit Guarantee Scheme in 2025 to facilitate trade under the Compact’s recommendations.
The summit culminated in the ceremonial lighting of the Africa Trade Torch (ATT)—a private sector initiative symbolising the commitment to mainstream AfCFTA benefits across African communities. Special emphasis was placed on supporting SMEs, women-led enterprises, and youth engagement.
Dr. Dlamini Zuma highlighted Ghana’s mobile payment ecosystem as a potential model for continental digital financial integration, further reinforcing the Compact’s goals.
As the organising body of APD, the Africa Prosperity Network (APN) remains dedicated to advancing the vision of “Africa We Want” in alignment with AU Agenda 2063. Through collaborative platforms like the Africa Prosperity Dialogues, APN is spearheading Africa’s progress through innovation, self-reliance, and sustainable development—without dependence on external aid.
With this bold Infrastructure Compact, Africa is taking a crucial step towards fostering greater economic unity, accelerating industrialisation, and realising the full potential of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
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