This episode explores Africa’s untapped trade potential and its role in driving economic growth. Our guest, John Mensah, a leading economist and trade policy expert, discusses the challenges of trade barriers, the opportunities presented by the AfCFTA, and the importance of investing in infrastructure.

Key Insights:

• Intra-African Trade is Key: Increasing trade between African countries under initiatives like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) could significantly boost the continent’s GDP.
• Streamlining Trade Policies: Harmonizing customs regulations and reducing bureaucratic hurdles are essential to unlocking Africa’s full trade potential.
• Infrastructure Matters: Investments in transport, energy, and digital infrastructure are critical to connecting markets and making trade efficient.
• Empowering Small Businesses: Supporting SMEs, which make up a large percentage of African businesses, can drive inclusive economic growth and create jobs.
• Leveraging Natural Resources: Moving from raw material exports to value-added processing within Africa ensures that more wealth stays on the continent.

Listeners will learn about actionable steps for empowering local businesses, creating value-added industries, and fostering regional collaboration to transform Africa into a global economic powerhouse