Africans Create Added Value When They Trade Among Themselves: Malian Economist
06:36 17.02.2026 (Updated: 07:49 17.02.2026)
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Africans Create Added Value When They Trade Among Themselves: Malian Economist
Economic powerhouses like South Africa and Nigeria, which has "undertaken courageous reforms," are driving the continent forward, but Africans must improve their competitiveness, Modibo Mao Makalou told Sputnik Africa.
"Competitiveness involves certain challenges, such as having permanent, reliable, and affordable electricity. You need industrial zones, human capital, and a qualified workforce. Look at Japan and South Korea—they produce a large number of manufactured goods even without raw materials."
The continent must leverage the AfCFTA to remove customs barriers and enhance the exchange of goods and services, he added.
"The AfCFTA aims to reduce both tariff and non-tariff barriers. Moving from one African country to another, even when they belong to the same economic integration grouping, is an absolute ordeal. There is widespread corruption in the transport and movement of people and goods. That is what must be stopped."
Economic powerhouses like South Africa and Nigeria, which has "undertaken courageous reforms," are driving the continent forward, but Africans must improve their competitiveness, Modibo Mao Makalou told Sputnik Africa.
"Competitiveness involves certain challenges, such as having permanent, reliable, and affordable electricity. You need industrial zones, human capital, and a qualified workforce. Look at Japan and South Korea—they produce a large number of manufactured goods even without raw materials."
The continent must leverage the AfCFTA to remove customs barriers and enhance the exchange of goods and services, he added.
"The AfCFTA aims to reduce both tariff and non-tariff barriers. Moving from one African country to another, even when they belong to the same economic integration grouping, is an absolute ordeal. There is widespread corruption in the transport and movement of people and goods. That is what must be stopped."
