The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) has urged African countries to stop exporting raw materials and instead focus on processing and adding value to their natural resources to unlock sustainable economic growth across the continent.
The call was made by the National Coordinator and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria AfCFTA Coordination Office, Patience Okala, during the Streamsowers & Köhn 20th Anniversary Business Forum.
Okala said Africa's long-term prosperity depends on transforming its abundant natural resources into finished and semi-finished products before exporting them to global markets.
According to her, the AfCFTA should not be viewed merely as a trade agreement focused on reducing tariffs but as a framework for industrialisation, manufacturing, value addition and job creation.
She stressed that exporting raw materials while importing finished products deprives African economies of employment opportunities, industrial growth and higher export earnings.
Okala noted that Africa possesses enormous reserves of agricultural produce, minerals and other natural resources that can support thriving manufacturing industries if properly harnessed.
She explained that processing these resources within Africa would enable countries to retain more value from production while strengthening regional supply chains.
According to the AfCFTA official, the continent has moved beyond negotiating trade agreements and must now focus on effective implementation that delivers measurable economic benefits.
She said the success of the AfCFTA will ultimately be determined by how easily businesses can access new markets, trade across borders and expand operations within Africa.
Okala disclosed that Nigeria has intensified efforts to implement the trade agreement under the leadership of the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole.
She revealed that simplified AfCFTA implementation guides have been produced in six languages to help businesses better understand and take advantage of opportunities created by the continental trade agreement.
The AfCFTA coordinator also called for stronger collaboration between governments, regulators and the private sector to eliminate barriers that continue to hinder trade and investment across Africa.
She emphasised that policymakers and business leaders must work together to build an integrated African market capable of competing effectively on the global stage.
Okala added that implementation efforts should particularly benefit micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), women-owned businesses and young entrepreneurs seeking to expand across African markets.
She maintained that translating AfCFTA policies into practical business opportunities will require sustained commitment from both public and private sector stakeholders.
Economic experts have consistently argued that value addition remains one of the most effective ways for African countries to increase export earnings, reduce unemployment and strengthen industrial capacity.
Greater local processing of agricultural products, minerals and manufactured goods is also expected to improve intra-African trade while reducing dependence on imported finished products.
The AfCFTA, which creates one of the world's largest free trade areas, is designed to deepen regional economic integration by promoting the free movement of goods and services among participating African countries.
Okala reiterated that Africa's economic transformation will not come from exporting raw commodities alone but from building industries that create value, generate employment and position the continent as a competitive manufacturing hub.
She concluded that with effective implementation of the AfCFTA and stronger collaboration among stakeholders, Africa can unlock its vast economic potential while creating millions of jobs and accelerating sustainable industrial development across the continent.