President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed his government’s full support for the Africa Prosperity Dialogues (APD), an annual platform organized by the Africa Prosperity Network (APN) in collaboration with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat.
The APD serves as a strategic forum where business and political leaders convene to develop actionable policies that drive Africa’s single market, boost economic integration, and create jobs for the continent’s vast youth population.
The 2025 edition of APD, held from Thursday, January 30, to Saturday, February 1, focused on transitioning Africa from a fragmented continent to an integrated economic bloc while addressing infrastructure deficits.
The event also emphasised coordinated efforts among governments, business leaders, investors and development partners to accelerate infrastructure development.
During the final session, the Presidential and Business Executives Dialogue, held at the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC), President Mahama addressed his counterparts, President Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé of Togo and President Azali Assoumani of Comoros, along with other dignitaries and business leaders.
Under the theme “Delivering Africa’s Single Market Through Infrastructure: Invest, Connect and Integrate,” President Mahama highlighted APD’s role in fostering practical solutions for intra-African trade and economic growth.
“It is a great honour to address this distinguished gathering of Heads of State, policymakers and business leaders, all united by a common vision of a prosperous and self-sufficient Africa,” he stated.
He urged African nations to move beyond rhetoric and take decisive actions to dismantle trade barriers and build a self-reliant, globally competitive continent.
“The decisions we make at this conference must not end in resolutions alone. We must act with urgency, determination, and a shared vision for prosperity.
“Let us rise to the occasion, break down the barriers that divide us and build a strong, self-reliant Africa,” Mahama emphasised.
Quoting Ghana’s first President, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, he added: “The forces that unite us are intrinsic and greater than the superimposed influences that keep us apart.”
