Accra: Professor Fulufhelo Netswera, the Executive Dean of the Faculty of Management Sciences at Durban University of Technology in South Africa, has called for African governments to take decisive actions to eliminate barriers that hinder free trade across the continent. He emphasized that such efforts are essential for fulfilling the objectives of agreements like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
According to Ghana News Agency, Prof. Netswera made this appeal during the Third Edition of the Technology, Business and Society Seminar (TEBUSS) in Accra. The seminar, organized by the Directorate of Research, Innovation and Consultancy of the Ghana Communication Technology University (GCTU), was themed 'The Africa We Want, The Africa We Must Claim.'
During his address, Prof. Netswera expressed his concern over the persistent obstacles to free trade in Africa, despite longstanding commitments to facilitate the seamless movement of goods and services. While acknowledging the signing of agreements like the AfCFTA as significant milestones, he stressed the necessity of supporting these initiatives with concrete actions to achieve their intended outcomes.
Prof. Netswera pointed out the importance of simplifying travel across Africa to ensure the free movement of goods. He recalled past challenges of having to take indirect flights within the continent, highlighting the need for direct connections to promote face-to-face interactions among Africans.
He further advocated for a radical approach to Africa's development, emphasizing the need for unity and self-reliance. Prof. Netswera urged the continent to overcome divisions rooted in colonialism, which have hindered effective continental collaboration.
Moreover, he expressed concern over Africa's struggle with food security, despite possessing 60 percent of the world's arable land. He called for leadership that can transform Africa's potential into reality, highlighting the continent's tendency to produce what it does not consume and consume what it does not produce.
Prof. Netswera proposed strengthening inter-African educational collaborations, boosting local manufacturing, and reducing reliance on imports. He believes that Africa has the potential to be self-sustaining and emphasized the need for leadership to unlock this potential.
Additionally, Prof. Emmanuel Afoakwa, Vice-Chancellor of GCTU, urged collaboration between countries, academia, and industry. He stressed the importance of using technology to tackle challenges like hunger, poverty, and healthcare disparities, advocating for innovation and ICT to create sustainable job opportunities and stimulate inclusive economic growth.
