Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, Secretary General Elect of the Commonwealth of Nations, has called for sustained commitment, innovation, and collaboration to drive Africa\u2019s journey toward economic integration and shared prosperity. <\/p>\n Speaking at the Partners\u2019 Cocktail engagement for the Africa Prosperity Dialogues (APD) 2025, held at the AfCFTA Secretariat in Accra on November 30, 2024, she highlighted the pivotal role of infrastructure in delivering the continent\u2019s single market vision.<\/p>\n \u201cWe stand at a pivotal moment in our continent’s journey towards economic integration and shared prosperity,\u201d she declared. \u201cThe upcoming Africa Prosperity Dialogues represent a crucial step forward in addressing our continent’s infrastructure and cross-border challenges.\u201d<\/p>\n Miss Botchwey emphasized the power of collective action, urging stakeholders to seize the opportunity presented by APD 2025. <\/p>\n \u201cThe path to Africa’s prosperity requires sustained commitment, innovation, and collaboration. Each conversation, partnership, and initiative brings us closer to realising our vision of Africa as the world’s largest single market.\u201d<\/p>\n The highly anticipated APD 2025, set to run from January 30 to February 1, 2025, in Accra, will tackle the continent\u2019s infrastructure deficit under the theme, \u201cDelivering Africa\u2019s Single Market through Infrastructure: Invest. Integrate. Connect.\u201d<\/p>\n Organized by the Africa Prosperity Network (APN), the event will bring together over 1,000 leaders, including heads of government, industry captains, and entrepreneurs, to forge solutions that support the full implementation of the AfCFTA.<\/p>\n Addressing the gathering, Gabby Asare Otchere-Darko, Founder and Executive Chairman of APN, emphasized the need to bridge Africa\u2019s infrastructure gap by engaging the private sector in building transport networks, energy systems, and digital infrastructure. <\/p>\n \u201cWe need to aggregate our worth, our work, the riches of our continent, and the richness of our minds,\u201d he said. \u201cWorking together politicians, business leaders, and thought leaders, we can achieve the world\u2019s largest single market.\u201d<\/p>\n In a speech read on his behalf, Wamkele Mene, Secretary General of AfCFTA, highlighted the transformative potential of a fully implemented AfCFTA, projecting it could create a market worth $6.7 trillion by 2030 and $16.12 trillion by 2050. <\/p>\n \u201cInfrastructure underpins the AfCFTA\u2019s success by reducing the cost of trade and enabling the seamless movement of goods, services, and people,\u201d he said. Mene called for robust investments in transport corridors, energy systems, and digital networks to unlock this potential.<\/p>\n Ghana\u2019s Minister for Energy, Herbert Krapa, underscored the importance of energy infrastructure in driving Africa\u2019s industrialization. He proposed that APD 2025 prioritize strategies to develop solar and hydropower capacity, enhance cross-border energy collaboration, and establish the African Single Electricity Market (AfSEM).<\/p>\n \u201cEnergy infrastructure is the lifeblood of Africa\u2019s single market,\u201d Krapa noted. \u201cWe must harness sustainable energy sources and our continent\u2019s gas reserves to power industries and homes.\u201d<\/p>\n Executive Director of Events at APN, Nana Adwoa Hackman, spotlighted the upcoming Africa Prosperity Champions Awards (APCA), which will celebrate distinguished Africans driving development across various sectors. \u201cThis prestigious award aligns with the Africa Prosperity Agenda, recognising individuals whose contributions advance the continent\u2019s prosperity,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n The private sector\u2019s role was also championed by Joseph Aidoo, Executive Director of Devtraco Group, who likened Africa\u2019s infrastructure needs to assemble a giant puzzle.<\/p>\n \u201cInfrastructure is the glue that binds Africa\u2019s countries, people, and dreams,\u201d Aidoo remarked.<\/p>\n AM\/<\/p>\n Watch the latest episode of Everyday People on GhanaWeb TV below:<\/b><\/p>\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/cdn.ghanaweb.com\/imagelib\/pics\/923\/92349296.295.jpg\" "\\"A")
A photogrpah from the event<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n