Okonjo-Iweala Urges Reforms to Reduce Intra-African Trade Costs

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the Director-General of the WTO, discussed the challenges facing intra-African trade during an interview with CNN's Christiane Amanpour. She pointed out that trade costs within Africa are 20% higher than external trade, hindering the continent's economic growth.

Okonjo-Iweala highlighted the structural bottlenecks, weak infrastructure, high logistics costs, and inadequate electricity supply as factors stifling Africa's economic potential. Despite Africa's vast resources and demographic advantages, she stressed the urgent need for reforms to boost intra-African commerce and industrial integration.

In a positive outlook, she reaffirmed Africa's resilience and growth potential, especially in sectors like fintech, agritech, and creative industries.