4th February 2026
Africa’s pursuit of economic independence and continental unity depends on deeper free trade, stronger infrastructure, and the removal of long-standing barriers to intra-African commerce, former Egyptian diplomat Ambassador Ahmed Haggag has said.
Speaking on the prospects and challenges of Africa’s free trade zone, he called for decisive and coordinated continental integration driven by a unified economic vision to address internal inefficiencies and external pressures limiting Africa’s growth.
Ambassador Haggag noted that Africa’s division into sub-regional blocs has weakened its collective bargaining power, with “superficial borders” restricting the free movement of people, goods, and services. He argued that genuine unity must go beyond politics to include deep economic integration, with free trade serving as a key tool to reduce dependency.
He highlighted the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as vital for boosting intra-African trade, strengthening local economies, and reducing reliance on external markets. However, he warned that poor infrastructure, high tariffs, limited trade finance, and the challenges faced by landlocked countries continue to undermine its effectiveness.
Ambassador Haggag concluded by urging greater media attention on free trade and its benefits, cautioning that without sustained investment, coordinated policies, and strong political will, Africa risks missing a historic opportunity to transform its economic future through AfCFTA.