Dlamini-Zuma urges Africa to move beyond borders to boost inclusive growth

Ghana and other African countries have been called upon to transcend rigid national borders and pursue deeper continental integration to expand trade, foster innovation, and create sustainable opportunities for young people.

The appeal was made by former African Union Commission Chairperson and current Chair of the Africa Prosperity Network advisory council, H.E. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, during her address at the 2026 Africa Prosperity Dialogues (APD 2026). The high-level forum, held under the theme, “Empowering SMEs, Women and Youth in Africa’s Single Market: Innovate. Collaborate. Trade,” brought together African leaders, policymakers, investors, development partners, and other stakeholders.

According to H.E. Dlamini-Zuma, the vision of a borderless Africa is achievable, citing countries such as Botswana, Namibia, and Zambia as examples where eased border controls have boosted trade without increasing crime.

“As we begin our dialogue in 2026, we must commit to simplified trade regimes, moving from pilot projects to continental norms,” she stated, urging governments to translate commitments into concrete action by strengthening cooperation, promoting inclusive innovation, and expanding trade opportunities for ordinary citizens and small businesses.

She emphasized the importance of developing cross-border payment systems, logistics networks, and digital trade platforms that are accessible to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), rather than being limited to large banks and multinational corporations.

H.E. Dlamini-Zuma further called on governments to remove tariffs and non-tariff barriers while encouraging the private sector to procure goods and services from SMEs, women-led businesses, and youth entrepreneurs.

She also stressed that financial institutions must be more transparent and accountable in supporting inclusive growth, suggesting, “We should consider implementing a law that requires financial institutions to disclose how much of their capital goes to youth, women, and small and medium enterprises.”

The former AU Chairperson concluded that empowering SMEs, women, and young people within Africa’s single market, and fostering collaboration across borders, would create a future where young Africans choose to build their lives and businesses on the continent rather than risk dangerous migration routes in search of opportunities elsewhere.

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