Momentum builds for free movement under AfCFTA.

The Agreement has, thus far, been signed by 54 of the 55 African Union (AU) Member States. Forty-four countries have deposited their instrument of ratification, but only four have ratified the Protocol on the movement of people.

Intra-African trade, currently less than 15 per cent of the continent's total trade, is largely stifled by stringent entry rules making it strenuous for citizens to move from one country to another.

In a document released at the end of a three-day Africa Prosperity Dialogue held in Ghana from 26 to 28 January on the theme 'AfCFTA: From Ambition to Action - Delivering Prosperity Through Continental Trade,'African countries are called upon to 'accelerate the ratification of the Protocol.'

The Protocol - initially contained in the 1991 Abuja Treaty - aims to facilitate and increase the movement of Africans within Africa, while enhancing their rights to entry, residence, and establishment in AU member states.

With more people able to move freely, countries will easily tap into a wider labor market to bridge skills gaps while trading across borders.

The Africa Prosperity Dialogue focused on issues relating to AfCFTA ratification, market access, dispute resolution, negotiations on Phase II of the Agreement, industrialization, private sector, innovation and technology, financing and resource mobilization, partnerships for impact, and free movement of persons.

Continental integration is an existential necessity, and therefore a natural destiny for Africa

The outcome document also contains a commitment to 'Ratify the AU Protocol on the Free Movement of people and select a champion to ensure early entry into force."

In fact, President Nana Akufo-Addo of Ghana was called upon to champion the Protocol on the free movement of persons. The president said he would 'readily accept in all humility.' He cautioned, however, that 'I need the approval of the AU before I can become the champion of anything'

President Akufo-Addo urged 'all of us here to see ourselves as champions of intra-African trade,' adding 'We cannot afford to fail. As African nations, we must join hands with each other and work diligently to pursue this noble cause.'

The dialogue was organized by the African Prosperity Network in...