Okonjo-Iweala Pushes for Faster AfCFTA Implementation to Boost Intra-African Trade

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Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), has been actively rallying African nations to strengthen their commitment to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as a cornerstone of the continent’s economic transformation. With her deep expertise in global trade and development, she emphasizes that the AfCFTA presents a historic opportunity to boost intra-African commerce, enhance industrialization, and reduce poverty across the region. Currently, trade among African countries remains low at just 16-18% of total trade, far below levels seen in Europe, Asia, or the Americas. Okonjo-Iweala argues that by dismantling trade barriers, improving cross-border infrastructure, and fostering regional supply chains, the AfCFTA could increase intra-African trade by more than 50%, creating millions of jobs and stimulating economic diversification.

However, she acknowledges that the agreement’s success hinges on overcoming key challenges, including slow ratification by some member states, persistent non-tariff barriers, and logistical bottlenecks. To address these obstacles, she has called for stronger political will among African leaders, greater private sector engagement, and targeted investments in digital trade and transport networks. As head of the WTO, she has also advocated for global support to complement Africa’s efforts, including technical assistance in trade policy and capacity-building programs for small and medium-sized enterprises.

Beyond governments, Okonjo-Iweala stresses the importance of involving Africa’s youthful population and entrepreneurs in the AfCFTA’s implementation, positioning them to capitalize on new market opportunities. She envisions a more integrated and competitive Africa that can leverage its collective strength in global trade negotiations while reducing reliance on external markets. Her push for unified African backing underscores the urgency of turning the AfCFTA’s ambitious vision into reality—a milestone that could redefine the continent’s economic future. If fully realized, the agreement could unlock unprecedented growth, making Africa a more influential player in the world economy.