AfCFTA Is Africa’s Best Decision In 60 Years—Asantehene

The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has described the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) as arguably the best decision taken by African heads of state in the past six decades.

Speaking at a high-level forum on African economic cooperation, the Asantehene emphasized that the agreement represents a bold step toward achieving true continental unity and self-reliance. According to him, the AfCFTA has the potential to transform Africa’s economies by creating a single market that promotes trade, industrialization, and sustainable growth.

“The African Continental Free Trade Agreement is arguably the best decision our leaders have taken in more than sixty years,” Otumfuo said. “For the first time, Africa is taking ownership of its economic destiny, breaking down the barriers that have long hindered trade among ourselves.”

He commended the vision and commitment of African leaders who championed the initiative, noting that it provides a historic opportunity to strengthen intra-African trade, boost employment, and reduce dependence on foreign markets.

Otumfuo further urged African governments to ensure the full implementation of the agreement by addressing challenges such as infrastructure gaps, customs bottlenecks, and currency barriers that continue to limit cross-border commerce.

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“The success of AfCFTA will depend on how seriously we commit to making it work,” he cautioned. “We must build the necessary infrastructure, harmonize our trade policies, and most importantly, trust each other enough to trade among ourselves.”

The AfCFTA, which officially commenced operations in January 2021, seeks to create a unified African market for goods and services, covering over 1.3 billion people and a combined GDP of more than $3 trillion. Analysts have described it as one of the most ambitious economic projects in Africa’s history.

Otumfuo’s remarks add to growing calls for stronger collaboration among African nations to unlock the full benefits of the agreement and position the continent as a global economic powerhouse.