New Roadmap by Africa Business Leaders Coalition to Enhance Intra-African Trade and Sustainable Growth
The Africa Business Leaders Coalition (ABLC), orchestrated by the UN Global Compact, has introduced a pivotal position paper titled "Five Mindset Shifts to Unlock Intra-African Trade: A Perspective from African CEOs." This paper, launched during the Africa CEO Forum, outlines a strategic plan designed to accelerate regional integration, enhance African value chains, and foster sustainable economic growth propelled by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
One of the major themes highlighted during the launch is aligned with the Forum's emphasis on shared ownership, indicating that Africa's long-term competitiveness is increasingly tied to a united approach toward regional cooperation and industrial development. The new report suggests that Africa's transformative journey will require not only robust policy reforms and investments but also a significant change in the mindset of governments, businesses, and institutions in their approach to regional integration and collaboration.
Sanda Ojiambo, the CEO and Executive Director of the UN Global Compact, addressed the Forum with optimism, stating, "Unlocking intra-African trade is one of the greatest economic opportunities of our generation." He emphasized that with Africa's rich resources, innate talent, and entrepreneurial spirit, the continent has the potential to emerge as a significant contributor to global economic growth. To achieve this, Ojiambo stressed the need for closer collaboration among governments, businesses, and regional institutions to eliminate trade barriers, enhance investment opportunities, and establish the necessary infrastructure to support such growth.
The position paper details five essential mindset shifts that are deemed necessary to unlock the full potential of intra-African trade and bolster Africa's future competitiveness:
1. Viewing continental collaboration as a strategic advantage rather than a source of competition.
2. Understanding that Africa possesses the capacity to produce finished goods, rather than solely relying on the export of raw materials.
3. Recognizing the movement of talent and people as an economic opportunity rather than an obstacle.
4. Establishing interconnected infrastructure networks rather than focusing on isolated national projects.
5. Acting promptly to capitalize on the present economic moment in Africa.
In addition to this roadmap, the ABLC also shared its 2025 Voluntary Climate Action and Gender Equality Report, showcasing the increasing momentum among African businesses in climate resilience and gender-focused initiatives. The report reveals that the ABLC members have collectively mobilized approximately USD 9.4 billion in climate financing since 2023, with 90 percent allocated towards climate mitigation and renewable energy projects. Notably, half of the participating firms now have climate adaptation strategies in place, while 84 percent have integrated gender equality into their overarching company framework.
Phumzilie Langeni, a member of the ABLC and Deputy Chairman of DP World Africa, expressed pride in the Coalition's achievements, transitioning from commitments to impactful actions. He echoed the sentiment of many ABLC members, stating, “As African business leaders, we are capable of solving our issues without waiting for external help.”
The ABLC, represented by 75 companies across 52 African nations, stands as a testament to the critical role the private sector can play in catalyzing investment, driving innovation, and fostering industrialization across the continent. With a combined annual revenue of approximately USD 171 billion and nearly a million employees, the Coalition signifies a powerful force in the journey towards sustainable economic advancement in Africa.
As the wait for comprehensive action continues, the ABLC's recent initiatives underscore the importance of establishing a more integrated, resilient, and competitive African economy. The commitment to fostering intra-African trade and the concerted effort toward gender equality and climate action will not only empower African nations but also contribute significantly to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
One of the major themes highlighted during the launch is aligned with the Forum's emphasis on shared ownership, indicating that Africa's long-term competitiveness is increasingly tied to a united approach toward regional cooperation and industrial development. The new report suggests that Africa's transformative journey will require not only robust policy reforms and investments but also a significant change in the mindset of governments, businesses, and institutions in their approach to regional integration and collaboration.
Sanda Ojiambo, the CEO and Executive Director of the UN Global Compact, addressed the Forum with optimism, stating, "Unlocking intra-African trade is one of the greatest economic opportunities of our generation." He emphasized that with Africa's rich resources, innate talent, and entrepreneurial spirit, the continent has the potential to emerge as a significant contributor to global economic growth. To achieve this, Ojiambo stressed the need for closer collaboration among governments, businesses, and regional institutions to eliminate trade barriers, enhance investment opportunities, and establish the necessary infrastructure to support such growth.
The position paper details five essential mindset shifts that are deemed necessary to unlock the full potential of intra-African trade and bolster Africa's future competitiveness:
1. Viewing continental collaboration as a strategic advantage rather than a source of competition.
2. Understanding that Africa possesses the capacity to produce finished goods, rather than solely relying on the export of raw materials.
3. Recognizing the movement of talent and people as an economic opportunity rather than an obstacle.
4. Establishing interconnected infrastructure networks rather than focusing on isolated national projects.
5. Acting promptly to capitalize on the present economic moment in Africa.
In addition to this roadmap, the ABLC also shared its 2025 Voluntary Climate Action and Gender Equality Report, showcasing the increasing momentum among African businesses in climate resilience and gender-focused initiatives. The report reveals that the ABLC members have collectively mobilized approximately USD 9.4 billion in climate financing since 2023, with 90 percent allocated towards climate mitigation and renewable energy projects. Notably, half of the participating firms now have climate adaptation strategies in place, while 84 percent have integrated gender equality into their overarching company framework.
Phumzilie Langeni, a member of the ABLC and Deputy Chairman of DP World Africa, expressed pride in the Coalition's achievements, transitioning from commitments to impactful actions. He echoed the sentiment of many ABLC members, stating, “As African business leaders, we are capable of solving our issues without waiting for external help.”
The ABLC, represented by 75 companies across 52 African nations, stands as a testament to the critical role the private sector can play in catalyzing investment, driving innovation, and fostering industrialization across the continent. With a combined annual revenue of approximately USD 171 billion and nearly a million employees, the Coalition signifies a powerful force in the journey towards sustainable economic advancement in Africa.
As the wait for comprehensive action continues, the ABLC's recent initiatives underscore the importance of establishing a more integrated, resilient, and competitive African economy. The commitment to fostering intra-African trade and the concerted effort toward gender equality and climate action will not only empower African nations but also contribute significantly to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
Topics Business Technology）
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