{"id":2423,"date":"2025-05-10T19:16:40","date_gmt":"2025-05-10T19:16:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/finance.gov.ng\/?p=2423"},"modified":"2025-05-10T19:16:40","modified_gmt":"2025-05-10T19:16:40","slug":"africas-future-in-focus-as-wale-edun-advocates-for-intra-african-trade","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/finance.gov.ng\/ministry\/africas-future-in-focus-as-wale-edun-advocates-for-intra-african-trade\/","title":{"rendered":"Africa\u2019s Future in Focus as Wale Edun Advocates for Intra-African Trade"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun, has emphasized the importance of intra-African trade as a foundation for the continent’s long-term growth and integration.<\/p>\n

This call to action was made in Lagos at the launch of Africa 2063: Creating the Future We Want, a book honouring the late Osaze Osifo, a respected investment executive and advocate for African development who passed away in 2022<\/p>\n

Speaking at the occasion, HM Edun highlighted that intra-African trade currently accounts for just 10% of the continent’s total trade. He stressed the need for improvements in logistics, transport links, and payment systems to unlock the potential of Africa’s vast market.<\/p>\n

Improving logistics, transport links, and payment systems is essential to unlocking the promise of our 1.3 billion-person market, he stated.<\/p>\n

The Minister described Osifo as a visionary with a rare intellect and unwavering commitment to practical development. He noted that Osifo’s legacy continues through ideas focused on inclusive growth and private sector-driven transformation.<\/p>\n

He reaffirmed that the government remains committed to creating an enabling environment for investment, as evidenced by a recent infrastructure deal that successfully passed an international value-for-money audit. This milestone demonstrates growing investor confidence in Nigeria’s reform path.<\/p>\n

As Africa looks to the future, the Minister’s advocacy for deeper
\nintra-African trade serves as a timely reminder of the continent’s vast potential. By working together to address the challenges and opportunities in intra-African trade, Africa can unlock new avenues for growth and development.<\/p>\n

Signed
\nMohammed Manga FCAI
\nDirector, Information and Public Relations
\nMay\u00a010,\u00a02025<\/p>\n