President John Dramani Mahama has called on African governments to give greater attention to developing modern road and rail systems, describing transportation infrastructure as essential to lowering business costs and boosting trade within the continent.
He said the lack of reliable transport and logistics networks continues to slow economic integration, restrict trade between African countries and drive up the cost of moving goods and services. Mahama warned that without targeted investment in interconnected infrastructure, initiatives such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) would struggle to reach their full potential.
In an interview following his three-day state visit to Zambia, the President said African leaders must move beyond discussions and commit significant funding to building transport corridors that directly link countries. He noted that weak infrastructure often makes it more affordable for African businesses to trade with Europe or Asia than with neighbouring states.
Mahama pointed to the need for extensive rail and road links across the continent, saying efficient transport networks would allow heavy cargo to be moved at lower cost and make intra-African trade more competitive.
He added that once countries are properly connected by roads and railways, trade flows within Africa would expand and become more cost-effective.
President Mahama’s visit to Zambia centred on deepening bilateral ties and engaging on wider continental priorities, including trade expansion, infrastructure investment and regional integration.