Driving 10% intra-Africa trade GDP contribution

Africa is not going to rise without rising together. This was the shared vision at the recent Intra Africa Trade and Investment Indaba. Speaking to CNBC Africa, Lerato Mataboge, Head of Trade Invest Africa at the Department of Trade and Industry in South Africa, discussed the critical role that policy and governments can play in ensuring that intra-Africa trade contributes more than 10% to sub-Saharan Africa's gross domestic product. The conversation centered around the importance of increasing intra-Africa trade levels, investments, and regional integration on the continent. Mataboge emphasized the need for concrete actions and mechanisms to enhance intra-Africa trade. One key solution highlighted was the necessity for Africans to invest in infrastructure projects to facilitate trade within the continent and to boost industrial projects that can enhance manufacturing capacity. The focus also extended to consolidating markets within the continent, supporting production, and promoting intra-African trade rather than solely exporting outside borders. Collaboration and cooperation among African economies were underscored as essential for sustainable economic growth. Government support is crucial in enabling businesses to invest, trade, and establish partnerships necessary for advancing the continent's economic prosperity. Additionally, discussions on abolishing borders and ensuring free movement of people and goods within African countries emerged as a pivotal aspect of the conversation. The African Union's ongoing efforts to promote the free movement of people and the prospect of initiatives like the African Union passport were highlighted as potential pathways towards a united and borderless Africa. Inclusive growth was another significant theme in the dialogue, with an emphasis on ensuring that everyone, particularly youth and women, are actively involved in the continent's economy. Inclusivity was deemed essential for achieving sustainable economic development, with Mataboge stressing the need for targeted policies and strategies that explicitly incorporate the youth and women, who have historically been marginalized as economic participants. She underscored that inclusive growth cannot be left to chance and requires deliberate policies and actions to address the diverse needs of these demographic groups. With about 45% of the African population consisting of youth, proactive measures are essential to harness their potential and ensure their meaningful participation in economic activities. The overarching message highlighted the critical role of both business and government in driving intra-Africa trade and economic growth, emphasizing the need for concerted efforts to foster collaboration, inclusivity, and sustainable development across the continent.