AfCFTA is the Key to economic integration – Dr. Kategekwa

Dr. Joy Kategekwa, Director of the Regional Integration Coordination Office at the African Development Bank Group, has emphasized that Africa’s economic integration remains incomplete until intra-African trade is significantly strengthened.

Currently, trade among African nations stands at a mere 15%, a figure that must be dramatically increased through deliberate policies and strategies.
According to Dr. Kategekwa, the key to this transformation lies in promoting value addition within African production processes, moving beyond raw material exports to the development of higher value-added industries such as textiles and garments.
These sectors will serve as engines for industrial growth and economic resilience, creating a self-sustaining continental economy.

Strengthening regional economic communities
For Africa to truly integrate, regional economic communities must be reinforced to enhance trade integration.
Improved regional cooperation will enable African enterprises to become key players in both regional and global value chains, maximizing the benefits of intra-African trade.

Dr. Kategekwa highlighted the importance of establishing frameworks that harmonize and integrate existing trade agreements across the continent.
By aligning trade policies, agreements, and regulatory regimes, Africa can create a more cohesive and efficient trade environment.

Ensuring fair trade and legal harmonization
A crucial step toward economic integration is the implementation of non-discriminatory treatment for goods and services across AfCFTA member countries.
Ensuring that all products receive equal treatment regardless of origin is essential for fostering fair trade and deeper economic ties.
To achieve this, countries must align their national legal frameworks with AfCFTA requirements.
Harmonizing laws with AfCFTA regulations will provide legal guarantees that protect trade, investment, and intellectual property rights, fostering a secure business environment across the continent.

The role of infrastructure in economic integration
The success of AfCFTA is deeply dependent on strong infrastructure in transport, ICT, and financial systems.
Infrastructure projects must be prioritized to improve connectivity between African nations, facilitating the easier movement of goods and services.
Member states must commit to domestic reforms and strategic investments that align national systems with AfCFTA treaty obligations.
Moreover, strengthening regional value chains in key industries such as automobiles, pharmaceuticals, lithium-ion batteries, leather, clothing, cocoa, and creative industries will drive economic growth and accelerate integration efforts.

Overcoming challenges to achieve economic growth
With a population of 1.4 billion, projected to reach 2.5 billion by 2050, Africa possesses immense economic potential.
However, significant challenges persist. Ongoing conflicts, food insecurity, and climate change threaten the continent’s progress.
Alarmingly, over 470 million Africans live below the poverty line, struggling to meet their basic needs.
Despite contributing only 4% of global carbon emissions, Africa suffers disproportionately from the effects of climate change, experiencing severe weather patterns, desertification, and declining agricultural yields.
Additionally, geographical obstacles create barriers to market accessibility, increasing costs and delaying the delivery of goods.
To overcome these challenges, Africa must harness its youthful and growing population by creating unified educational systems, strengthening job markets, and fostering knowledge and technology exchanges across borders.

Education and research as key drivers
Education and research are key drivers of Africa’s transformation.
Universities must go beyond generating knowledge; they must ensure that research has a tangible impact on policies, industries, and communities.
By promoting knowledge-sharing, innovation, and human capital development, Africa can bridge gaps and accelerate integration.
Interim President of Addis Ababa University (AAU), Dr. Samuel Kifle, noted that the university has undergone a careful reorganization, aligning its mission and vision with the evolving needs of the 21st century.
AAU is committed to fostering education and research that directly contribute to the continent’s sustainable development.

Ethiopia’s education reform and the AfCFTA vision
Ethiopia has made significant strides in education reform.
Addis Ababa University recently attained autonomy from the federal government, marking a major milestone in the country’s higher education framework.
As the first autonomous university in Ethiopia, Addis Ababa University has embraced this reform, implementing new statutory policies to guide its path as a leading academic institution.
One of the key strategic themes within Addis Ababa University’s 2024–2028 Strategic Plan is advancing impactful partnerships and fostering sustainable international collaborations.
This vision aligns with the objectives of AfCFTA by strengthening regional academic networks, supporting innovation, and promoting mobility and knowledge exchange.
Strong institutions, well-connected academics, and skilled students will play a fundamental role in ensuring that AfCFTA moves from policy to practice.

A vision for Africa’s future
As part of its new mission, Addis Ababa University aims to create a governance framework that emphasizes effectiveness, accountability, and a well-defined organizational structure.
The institution’s objective is to provide an exceptional educational experience that prepares students for success while promoting job creation and employability.

By fostering significant partnerships and sustainable global collaborations, the university will enhance academic networks, research opportunities, and worldwide academic exchanges.
Additionally, the university is dedicated to expanding and improving resources that facilitate academic research and community engagement.

The path to a unified and prosperous Africa
Achieving Africa’s economic integration requires collaboration, shared objectives, and common principles.
Today, in partnership with the African Development Bank, Addis Ababa University is honored to present this important public lecture on regional integration.
This event marks the beginning of vital discussions on fostering unity, driving economic progress, and paving the way for a prosperous collective future for Africa.
The journey towards a fully integrated Africa is complex, but with commitment and cooperation, the African dream of economic transformation and industrial growth can become a reality.