Akufo-Addo urges faster AfCFTA implementation to boost Africa’s trade power
Former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has cautioned African nations against allowing the continent to become an arena for global power rivalries.
He called instead for unity, strategic action and deeper economic integration to safeguard sovereignty and development.
The former president made the remarks on Wednesday when he delivered the keynote address at the Strategic Meeting of the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung’s (KAS) African Team and its political partners at the Kempinski Gold Coast Hotel in Accra.
The gathering marked the climax of KAS’s annual meeting, which brought together country representatives from across Africa as well as members of the Foundation’s Board from Berlin, Germany.
Ahead of the session, the former president held discussions with Professor Norbert Lammert, former Speaker of the German Parliament and current Chairman of KAS, along with senior officials of the Foundation.
Geopolitical Shifts and Africa’s Place
Speaking on the theme of geopolitical shifts and their impact on Africa, Mr Akufo-Addo observed that the world is witnessing a rapidly changing multi-polar global order where influence is now dispersed among major actors, including the United States, China, Russia, the European Union, India and the expanded BRICS bloc, which recently welcomed Egypt and Ethiopia.
The former president indicated that this growing competition presents both opportunities and risks for Africa.
“African nations must elude attempts to turn the continent into an arena of rivalries, where our sovereignty and development aspirations are compromised and subordinated to external interests,” he said.
Call for Unity and Strategic Partnerships
Former President Akufo-Addo urged African leaders to strengthen cooperation, adopt a united front and pursue strategic partnerships that align with Africa’s own priorities rather than those dictated by outside powers.
The former president emphasised the importance of negotiating fairer terms in engagements with global players and avoiding dependency traps.
“Africa must diversify its international partnerships, resist the temptation of being co-opted into great power struggles and above all chart a course that protects the dignity and interests of its people,” he noted.
AfCFTA as a Tool for Transformation
The former president also underscored the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as a critical tool for the continent’s transformation.
He further noted that deeper economic integration and intra-African trade would enhance resilience, expand opportunities for African businesses and strengthen the continent’s bargaining power on the global stage.
“By accelerating the implementation of AfCFTA, Africa can not only boost trade among its nations but also create a strong economic bloc capable of negotiating on equal terms with others,” he stressed.
Shaping Africa’s Future
Former President Akufo-Addo concluded by calling for homegrown solutions to Africa’s challenges, including industrialisation, digital transformation and youth empowerment.
He insisted that Africa must not only resist external manipulation but also seize the emerging opportunities in the new global order.
“With cooperation, determination and a clear vision for transformation, Africa can seize the opportunities before us and ensure that the continent is not a victim of the new global landscape but a major shaper of it,” the former president remarked.
The conference ended with a renewed commitment by KAS and its African partners to continue fostering dialogue, democratic governance and sustainable development across the continent.
