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Former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has called on African leaders to accelerate the continent’s economic integration, noting that it is the most effective response to the mounting impact of global geopolitical turbulence the world is currently witnessing.
Akufo-Addo made the call in his keynote address at the gala dinner to conclude the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung’s (KAS) African Team Strategic Meeting at the Kempinski Gold Coast Hotel, Accra, on Wednesday, September 10, 2025. The event was under the theme, “The world in times of geopolitical changes and its effect on the African continent and international cooperation.”
The former President noted that Africa cannot afford to remain fragmented in the face of shifting global alliances, supply chain disruptions, and economic uncertainties.
He argued that the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) presents the continent with a historic opportunity to transform fragmentation into a source of strength.
“And I submit to you tonight that Africa’s most important response to today’s geopolitical turbulence is to accelerate our own economic integration and transformation agenda. The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), whose secretariat is headquartered here in Accra, offers us the greatest opportunity to turn fragmentation into strength,” he further stated.
Intra-African trade
According to him, “by creating a single market of 1.5 billion people, with a collective GDP of $3.5 trillion, AfCFTA can boost intra-African trade, expand industrialization, and reduce dependence on volatile external markets.”
The former President stressed that no single African nation, regardless of size or resource wealth, can withstand the pressures of an increasingly multipolar world dominated by continental blocs and economic giants.
He described integration as both an economic necessity and a strategic safeguard against dependency, marginalization, and indignity. Nana Akufo-Addo also highlighted the growing role of global and regional partners in Africa’s economic transformation.
He pointed in particular to China and the Arab Coordination Group (ACG) as vital players in financing roads, railways, ports, and energy projects that will connect African economies. He urged that such investments be channeled into AfCFTA’s vision to strengthen unity rather than deepen fragmentation.
Turning to the role of KAS, Akufo-Addo commended the German foundation for its decades-long support of democracy and development in Ghana and across Africa. He encouraged KAS to make economic integration a core focus of its African programming.
He noted that integration requires not only infrastructure but also strong institutions, visionary leadership, and the empowerment of small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs).
“Integration does not happen by declaration. It demands political courage, harmonised institutions, and the defence of civil society, academia, and the press, which are the conscience of democracy,” the former President said.
Inclusive environment
He further reminded policymakers that the ultimate goal of economic integration is not merely higher GDP growth but the creation of dignified and inclusive societies.
He urged leaders to act in ways that encourage Africa’s youth to remain on the continent as drivers of change, rather than risk perilous journeys abroad, where anti-migrant sentiments continue to shape politics in Europe and America.
He noted that Africa cannot afford to remain fragmented in the face of shifting global alliances, supply chain disruptions, and economic uncertainties.
Reporting by Wilberforce Asare in Accra
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