The Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Salma Haddadi, stressed the critical importance of boosting intra-African trade to unlock the continent's full economic potential. Her comments were delivered at the 4th Africa Trade Fair, currently underway in Algiers under the theme "Africa, Gateway to New Opportunities."

Haddadi's remarks focused on the need for Africa to strengthen its internal economic ties to increase its influence on the global stage. She emphasized that a robust intra-African trade network is not just about economic growth but is also essential for Africa to have a meaningful political voice globally.

While noting that intra-African trade has grown by 27% since 2017, Haddadi highlighted a persistent challenge: it still accounts for only 15% of the continent’s total trade. She called for a renewed push to build on the positive momentum of the past six years.

She urged African governments and institutions to remove trade barriers, improve infrastructure, and implement business-friendly policies and financial systems. By doing so, she said, the continent could create jobs, add value to its products, and foster industrialization and innovation.

The trade fair has drawn 2,000 businesses from 75 countries, including Ethiopia, according to the African Union.