LEAD STORY

Nigeria’s 24-Hour AfCFTA Certificate: Trade Reform Meets Infrastructure Reality



Africa’s economic integration agenda is entering a more practical phase. The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is no longer only about removing tariffs; it is increasingly about making it faster, cheaper and easier for businesses to move goods, make payments and access markets across borders.

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-DISCOVER AFRICA

TODAY’S COUNTRY — KENYA

Kenya is strengthening its position as an investment and trade hub in East Africa as business leaders, investors and development institutions gathered in Nairobi this week to advance regional integration, investment and value-chain development. The East Africa CEO & Investment Forum 2026 highlighted opportunities to deepen regional supply chains, improve access to finance and convert investment opportunities into trade and jobs.

MAKING THE MOVE

Three African Presidents Driving Economic Transformation

Paul Kagame — Rwanda

Under Kagame, Rwanda has continued to pursue an economic strategy centred on private-sector development, digitalisation, infrastructure, investment and export growth. The country recorded 9.4% economic growth in 2025, according to the IMF, supported by strong activity across several sectors. In 2026, Rwanda entered a new IMF-supported programme focused on maintaining macroeconomic stability, managing fiscal and debt risks and strengthening private-sector-led growth.

The government is also placing emphasis on expanding energy access, developing infrastructure and creating a more investment-friendly business environment. Rwanda’s approach reflects an effort to move beyond traditional aid dependence towards a more productive and private-sector-driven economy.

Samia Suluhu Hassan — Tanzania

Under President Samia Suluhu Hassan, Tanzania has continued to prioritise infrastructure, mining, agriculture, tourism and private investment as pillars of economic expansion. The country recorded 5.9% real GDP growth in 2025, with the IMF projecting growth of around 6.2% over the medium term, supported by mining, agriculture and tourism.

Large infrastructure projects, improvements in the business environment and efforts to attract investment are strengthening Tanzania’s economic base. The African Development Bank also identifies Tanzania as one of the East African economies maintaining robust expansion, supported by infrastructure and services.

John Mahama — Ghana

Under President John Mahama, Ghana has placed economic stabilisation, fiscal discipline, private-sector growth and structural reform at the centre of its current economic programme. In May 2026, Ghana completed its IMF Extended Credit Facility programme and transitioned to a Policy Coordination Instrument designed to support continued fiscal and economic reforms.

The administration has also focused on expenditure rationalisation, debt management and measures aimed at strengthening the foundations for sustainable growth. Ghana's experience highlights the importance of combining macroeconomic stability with policies that can restore investor confidence and create space for private-sector activity.