President Bola Ahmed Tinubu says Africa’s push for deeper economic integration will only be meaningful if it produces measurable, everyday improvements for traders, manufacturers, and logistics operators across the continent.
Speaking on Monday at the opening of the Customs Pact – Partnership for African Cooperation in Trade, the President—represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima—warned that the success of continental cooperation will not be judged by diplomatic statements but by practical outcomes that strengthen trade and competitiveness.
Integration Must Move Beyond Words
Tinubu said the continent must shift from policy declarations to implementation-driven reforms that directly improve cross-border commerce.
“Success will be judged not by communiqués but by real outcomes: shorter border-crossing times, reliable local-currency settlements, and efficient movement of goods across borders and ports,” he said.
He emphasized that Africa cannot build resilient industries or withstand global economic shocks while operating fragmented markets that limit scale and productivity.
Trade Must Work for Everyday Africans
The President stressed that the benefits of integration must be felt in the daily activities of the people powering Africa’s economy—transporters, SMEs, farmers, and manufacturers—not just in conference halls.
“Our vision must translate from conference halls to the daily experiences of traders, manufacturers, logistics operators and farmers,” he noted.
A Call for Coordinated Action
Tinubu urged customs authorities, regulators, and policymakers across the continent to work together to reduce bottlenecks, harmonize procedures, and modernize border operations in a way that aligns with the goals of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The Customs Pact summit continues discussions on trade facilitation, regional cooperation, and the modernization of customs systems to support Africa’s economic ambitions.
