Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun, has made a case for intra-African trade as a foundation for the continent’s long-term growth and integration.
A statement signed by the ministry’s Director, Information and Public Relations Mohammed Manga disclosed that the call to action was made at the launch of Africa 2063: Creating the Future We Want, a book honouring the late Osaze Osifo, in Lagos.
Mr. Edun who disclosed that intra-African trade currently accounts for just 10% of the continent’s total trade, stressed the need for improvements areas such as logistics, transport links, and payment systems to unlock the potential of Africa’s vast market.
The Minister described Osifo a respected investment executive and advocate for African development who passed away in 2022 as a visionary with a rare intellect and unwavering commitment to practical development stressing that his legacy continues through ideas focused on inclusive growth and private sector-driven transformation.
The finance boss reaffirms government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for investment, as evidenced by a recent infrastructure deal that successfully passed an international value-for-money audit, a milestone which demonstrates growing investor confidence in Nigeria’s reform path.