The Economic Round Table on the third day brought together key players in African economic integration around a central theme: ‘The contribution of Africans and people of African descent to Africa’s integrated economic development’.

Six leading speakers demonstrated that Africa and its diaspora have the tools, infrastructure and talent to succeed together. The AfCFTA is paving the way, but coordination, information and investment are needed.

Africa and its diaspora: a united economic force

The African continent is at a strategic turning point: a dynamic youth population, rising production and abundant resources. The sixth region — the African diaspora — represents a considerable economic lever for accelerating continental integration.

The pan-African payment system already enables trade in local currencies, with 19 central banks and 80 commercial banks connected, reducing transaction costs by more than USD 5 billion.

The AfCFTA is a historic opportunity, but it requires infrastructure, private sector involvement, energy, logistics and the removal of non-tariff barriers.