Samuel Maimbo, a front-runner in the race to succeed Nigeria’s Akinwumi Adesina as President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), has declared that intra-African trade is no longer a mere opportunity—it is now a critical necessity for the continent’s survival and long-term prosperity.
Speaking passionately about the state of regional commerce, Maimbo expressed deep concern over Africa’s stagnant trade figures, stating that while Europe and Asia boast regional trade rates of 67% and 58% respectively, Africa remains stuck at a mere 15%. He emphasized that no African economy, regardless of size, can prosper in isolation. “Africa must begin trading with Africa to supercharge our economic growth,” Maimbo asserted.
He called for bold, practical, and forward-thinking interventions that can dismantle trade barriers, improve infrastructure, and transform development finance. Maimbo proposed a four-step approach centered on embracing digital technology, resolving transportation and logistics bottlenecks, and implementing innovative financial models to build and upgrade infrastructure across the continent. According to him, the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) holds the promise to radically shift the narrative—if implemented effectively.
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He underscored that intra-African trade should go beyond economics, highlighting its potential to empower women and youth, create sustainable jobs, and reduce poverty. Moreover, he positioned the AfDB as the institution best equipped to lead this transformation, ensuring Africa speaks with a stronger, unified voice on the global stage.
With the AfDB presidential elections looming, Maimbo’s message of economic unity, self-reliance, and strategic integration is already sparking conversations across Africa’s political and business corridors. As nations seek more impactful policies for growth, Maimbo’s vision could mark a turning point in how Africa trades—first with itself, then with the world.
