The Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, has emphasised that security and free movement across African borders must be pursued together to drive the continent’s economic transformation.
Speaking at the Africa Prosperity Dialogue 2026 in Accra, the Minister said the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) presents a historic opportunity for economic integration but warned that its success depends heavily on effective migration governance, border management, and strengthened security frameworks.
“Security and free movement are complementary pillars of Africa’s economic transformation, not competing goals,” Mr Mohammed-Mubarak stated.
He noted that the dialogue’s theme, “Empowering SMEs, Women, and Youth in Africa’s Single Market through Innovation, Collaboration, and Trade,” highlights the central role of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in driving economic growth across the continent.
“At its heart are our Small and Medium Enterprises, the lifeblood of African economies,” he said.
The Interior Minister stressed the importance of adopting smart and coordinated strategies, supported by technology, to facilitate trade while maintaining safety and trust among African nations.
Mr Mohammed-Mubarak cited the ECOWAS Protocol on Free Movement of Persons as a successful example of regional cooperation, allowing visa-free travel for up to 90 days across West Africa.
He further called for the development of a harmonised African Union biometric identity system to improve mobility and security across borders.
“A borderless Africa does not mean borderless security; it means smart borders,” he emphasised.
The Minister also advocated for integrated border management systems, increased capacity-building for frontline security officers, and the deployment of technology-driven clearance and verification systems.
“Let us build an Africa where goods move freely, people move safely, and prosperity moves widely,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Elizabeth Agyare Ofosu, underscored the need to address financing challenges facing SMEs. She encouraged participants at the dialogue to engage in productive discussions aimed at generating practical solutions to strengthen Africa’s single market.
The Africa Prosperity Dialogue 2026 has brought together leaders from government, business, and civil society to deliberate on strategies for accelerating Africa’s economic integration through high-level discussions, panel sessions, and networking engagements.
