Mahama describes AfCFTA as Africa’s ‘greatest architecture for conflict prevention’

President John Dramani Mahama has advocated for enhanced economic cooperation among African nations, positioning the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as a pivotal tool in conflict prevention and strengthening harmonious relations across the continent. During his address at the 12th Tana High-Level Forum on Peace in Africa in Bahir Dar, Ethiopia, Mahama unveiled the 2026 State of Peace and Security in Africa Report, which encompassed events from January 2025 to June 2026.

He emphasized that the AfCFTA should not merely be perceived as a commercial endeavor, but rather as a mechanism for diminishing tensions through heightened economic interdependence among African states. "The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is perhaps our greatest architecture for conflict prevention," Mahama stated, cautioning against the misconception that it is solely a trade initiative.

He argued that enhanced trade relations could make war more economically costly for countries and foster the perception of neighbors as crucial trading partners and suppliers rather than enemies. Additionally, Mahama highlighted the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) as a means to bolster regional economic ties and lessen Africa's vulnerability to external economic disruptions.

However, he warned that economic integration alone cannot resolve conflicts, asserting that political agreements and settlements are indispensable for enduring peace. Mahama emphasized that while trade cannot supplant political settlements, persistent poverty and border disputes will invariably lead to warfare. He urged African nations to reinforce regional collaboration and tackle the economic factors that incite instability, asserting that enduring peace must be underpinned by both security measures and economic equity.