At the latest Intra-African Trade Fair, Africa showcased its economic ambitions but also its challenges. Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, alongside African experts, reiterated that education and active participation by governments remain essential to unlocking the continent’s potential.
With over a billion inhabitants, Africa has the youngest population in the world. However, this human capital remains largely untapped. Due to insufficient investment in education, vocational training and access to new technologies, some of these young people are struggling to find their place in the economy. This skills gap is hampering productivity and slowing down the continent’s industrialisation. This issue was raised by former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo.
We have a population in Africa. Population is not our problem. But for human capital to be usable, for it to be effective, you need education. Human capital must be what provides skills, what provides education, quality education, technology, and everything they need to make contributions to make Africa the continent of the centaur.
Olusegun Obasanjo, Chairman of the IATF Advisory Board
Another challenge is the low participation of certain countries in major economic meetings. The African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) offers a historic opportunity to strengthen intra-African trade. However, the absence of certain key players reduces the impact of these meetings. To make progress, each country must adopt best practices, test them and adapt them to its local realities. This view is shared by an expert from the Democratic Republic of Congo.
I know many countries, many members from different countries who did not come because of this. But it is his duty to encourage them. If we want to achieve AfCFTA, we will achieve much greater intra-African trade. We must come, learn and repeat, pass on the message, and do it again in our respective states.
Olusegun Obasanjo, Chairman of the IATF Advisory Board
Between the lack of infrastructure, the slow pace of reforms and the lack of political will, Africa is still moving too slowly on the path to economic integration. But the IATF remains an essential platform: a place where ideas circulate, where projects are born, and where the dream of a more united and competitive Africa continues to take shape
