Accra: Dr Ishmael Yamson, the Board Chairman of MTN Ghana, has emphasized that the comprehensive implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is vital for unlocking Africa's economic potential and transforming its future.
According to Ghana News Agency, Dr Yamson highlighted that while the establishment of AfCFTA is a significant milestone in Africa's economic integration agenda, its success hinges on the commitment of member states to fully implement the agreement. He shared these insights on Episode Eight of The Y'ello Chair, MTN's vodcast platform that gathers African leaders and changemakers to discuss issues impacting the continent's future.
Dr Yamson expressed that there is a growing realization in Africa that repeating past practices will not yield different outcomes, insisting on the necessity for fundamental changes. He stressed the importance of supporting countries to effectively execute the agreement, noting that its full implementation could dramatically alter Africa's economic landscape.
He further elaborated that the successful implementation of AfCFTA would not only facilitate trade but also encourage the free movement of capital, resources, and people across the continent. He advocated for a continental immigration framework akin to that of the European Union, to facilitate legal movement and work for Africans, thereby contributing to the development of host countries while respecting local laws.
Dr Yamson urged African nations to transcend historical and linguistic differences to strengthen regional and continental cooperation. Despite distinctions between Anglophone and Francophone countries, particularly in West Africa, he emphasized that African nations share a common destiny that should drive greater collaboration.
He posited that deeper economic integration would create larger markets, promote sustainable growth, and attract more investment to the continent, envisioning an Africa where citizens could move freely across borders, governments are professionally managed, and corruption is effectively tackled to create opportunities for future generations.
Moreover, Dr Yamson identified Africa's youthful population as a significant strength, noting that with nearly 70 percent of the continent's population under the age of 30, Africa has a unique opportunity to convert its demographic advantage into long-term economic growth. He called for stronger collaboration between governments and the private sector to realize the continent's development aspirations, saying, "If we work together as one team chasing one goal, Africa will be a different continent. I hope we can make it."