Mahama to push for Caribbean inclusion in AfCFTA as AU Chairman

President John Dramani Mahama announced plans to advocate for the inclusion of Caribbean countries in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) when he assumes the chairmanship of the African Union (AU). Speaking at a joint press conference with Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness in Kingston on Monday, August 3, during his state visit to Jamaica, President Mahama stated, "And that's why I said as chair of the AU, I'm going to push for the inclusion of the Caribbean into the African Continental Free Trade Area."

He explained that expanding the trade bloc to incorporate the Caribbean would strengthen economic ties and create new opportunities for businesses. President Mahama noted that increasing trade volumes would require deliberate efforts, including improving infrastructure, logistics, and expanding market access. He added that the AfCFTA provides a framework for countries to harmonise standards, certify products, and connect producers and buyers. Efforts by the AU to establish digital payment systems would further support intra-African trade by allowing countries to settle transactions in their local currencies. The activation of the Permanent Joint Commission for Cooperation between Ghana and Jamaica would provide a mechanism to track progress in trade.