Prof Abugu Calls for African Leadership in Trade through AfCFTA

At the 2024 International Conference of West African Law Students’ Association (WALSA), in Abuja, Dean of Law at the University of Abuja, Prof. Uwakwe Abugu has urged African nations to strengthen intra-continental trade by fully adopting the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and creating unified air transport markets.

Delivering a keynote on “Enhancing Intra-African Trade Through Legislative Measures,” Abugu emphasized that increased intra-African trade could boost Africa’s economic resilience and global influence.

Abugu highlighted the trade potential across the continent, projecting intra-African trade could soar to $261.6 billion, or 36% of total trade, if AfCFTA and other regional agreements are fully implemented.

He cited Cote d’Ivoire’s recent trade expansion within Africa and Nigeria’s notable, yet challenged, trade contributions.

He also pointed out that South Africa leads in export potential with an estimated $33 billion, followed by Eastern and Western Africa.

Touching on structural challenges, Abugu noted that integration remains sluggish despite progress, with inflation and debt weighing on economies.

He urged African leaders to align with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 for a prosperous, united continent driven by sustainable development and Pan-African ideals.

Representing the law students’ voice, WALSA Speaker Bios Fitzgerald Conteh advocated for African unity, calling for legislative measures to overcome challenges.

The conference gathered legal scholars and students from across Africa, reflecting a collective commitment to realizing the vision of a self-reliant, economically independent Africa.