The Africa Prosperity Network (APN) has welcomed President John Dramani Mahama’s call for the use of local currencies, integrated digital payment systems and increased investment in processing Africa’s natural resources to boost intra-African trade.
In a statement issued on October 31, 2026, APN said the President’s remarks at the Third Russia-Africa Summit in Moscow on October 29 highlighted practical measures needed to advance Africa’s economic integration and prosperity.
President Mahama called for modernised trade settlement mechanisms, including local currencies and integrated digital payments, to address trade imbalances and improve market access for African goods.
APN said the proposals were particularly important for small businesses, women and young entrepreneurs, who need affordable, secure and accessible payment systems to conduct cross-border transactions.
The organisation stressed that connecting Africa’s mobile money wallets, banks and payment platforms could bring the opportunities of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) closer to millions of people.
It also welcomed the President’s call for greater investment in processing Africa’s mineral and agricultural resources, saying the continent must expand its productive capacity, retain more value from its resources and create jobs.
Africa Prosperity Dialogues 2027
APN said these priorities would feature prominently at the Africa Prosperity Dialogues 2027, scheduled for January 13–15 in Accra, under the theme: “The Borderless Africa We Want: Move Freely. Pay Seamlessly. Trade More.”
The event, convened by APN and hosted by President Mahama, is expected to bring together political leaders, business executives, financial institutions, regulators, entrepreneurs and civil society representatives to advance practical solutions for Africa’s economic integration.
Strategic partners include the African Development Bank, Afreximbank, BADEA, AUDA-NEPAD and leading African multinational companies.
According to APN, the Dialogues will seek to connect policy ambitions with the experiences of businesses and institutions involved in investing, producing, employing and trading across the continent.
The event also aligns with the African Union’s 2027 theme, which focuses on leveraging the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) and new technologies for continental integration.
Scheduled two weeks before the 40th AU Summit, APD 2027 is expected to provide a platform for private-sector and civil-society priorities to be channelled into an actionable Compact for consideration by African leaders in Addis Ababa.
Call for free movement and stronger trade commitments
APN further highlighted President Mahama’s reaffirmation of his commitment to Kwame Nkrumah’s vision of Pan-Africanism and African unity, saying Ghana’s 70th independence anniversary and the President’s anticipated AU chairmanship in 2027 presented an opportunity to advance the vision through measurable action.
The organisation said integrated payments must be accompanied by the freer movement of people and goods across the continent.
It therefore called for accelerated ratification and implementation of the African Union Free Movement Protocol, stronger commitments to SAATM and the removal of barriers to intra-African trade.
APN has invited governments, businesses, financial institutions and development partners to participate in the January Dialogues and help turn shared ambitions into commitments that improve cross-border commerce.
Registration is available at the Africa Prosperity Dialogues 2027 website.
