In her opening remarks, Her Excellency Prof Jane Naana Opoku-Agyeman, Vice-President stressed that Africa's potential remained unfulfilled due to divided markets, despite having a population of 1.4 billion people and a combined GDP of over US3.4 trillion.

"Integration is not just a theoretical concept, it is a lifeline to our collective future," she said. "By breaking down barriers and creating a single market, we can unlock immense opportunities, create jobs for our youth, and lift millions out of poverty."  She also emphasized the importance of prioritizing infrastructural development, including transportation, energy systems, and digital infrastructure, to drive growth and transformation.

MTN Ghana’s CEO, Stephen Blewett  highlighted Africa's exciting investment opportunities and the need for effective management and governance skills to transform its fortunes. "Infrastructure is the lifeblood of any economy," he said, emphasizing the importance of investing in connectivity and integration.

Mr Blewett also stressed the need to develop Africa's women and young girls, providing them with digital skills to participate in the continent's development. He noted that MTN Ghana was committed to this goal, recognizing the significance of international private-public partnerships, the AFCFTA's role in eliminating trade barriers, and the mobilization of finance for urban development and transport.

Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, Chairperson of the APN Advisory Council, emphasized the crucial role of infrastructure in connecting communities, cities, and countries, facilitating trade and economic growth. She also highlighted the importance of breaking down barriers to women's economic participation.

Djamel Ghrib, Director of  Economic Development, Integration and Trade (EDTI) at the African Union Commission, stressed that modern, efficient, and interconnected infrastructure was crucial to fulfilling the promise of a single market, serving as the foundation for Africa's economic future.

Dr. Fatima ElSheikh, Secretary General of Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA), highlighted Accra's significance as the home of the Africa Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) and the birthplace of the Africa-Arab collaboration through the Africa-Arab Financial Consortium.

In a panel discussion, Antoinette Kwofie, Chief Finance Officer at MTN Ghana, identified funding challenges facing Africa's infrastructure financing gaps, including over-reliance on Western financing and fragmented regulatory frameworks. She urged African nations to unite and invest in human capital, particularly through capital markets.

The APD 2025 brings together African leaders, policymakers, and industry experts to discuss strategies for achieving the continent's economic prosperity. The dialogues aim to foster collaboration, promote investment, and drive growth and development across Africa.

Antoinette Kwofie, Chief Finance Officer at MTN Ghana