President of the Republic of Ghana, H.E. John Dramani Mahama, opened the Africa Trade Summit 2026 in Accra with a call for African countries to approach industrialisation as a continental undertaking rather than a collection of isolated national projects.
Addressing Summit participants, the President argued that industrial integration depends on market integration and that African economies need value chains capable of moving raw materials, intermediate goods and finished products across national borders.
His address placed particular emphasis on transport corridors, reliable energy systems, digital infrastructure, harmonised standards and regulations, improved logistics and simplified customs procedures.
The President also emphasised the respective responsibilities of government, business, financial institutions and pan-African organisations. Governments must provide stability and leadership; the private sector must invest and innovate; financial institutions must develop suitable long-term financing; and continental institutions must help remove barriers to integration.
The message reinforced the central purpose of the Summit: moving Africa's trade and industrial agenda from ambition toward implementation.
The opening set the stage for two days of engagement involving government, industry, finance and institutional leadership, culminating in the Africa Trade Awards.
