{
  "id": 16906847,
  "title": "Poor trade infrastructure limiting AfCFTA’s full potential - Mahama",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/28/poor-trade-infrastructure-limiting-afcftas-full-potential-mahama",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-28T14:08:09.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "3News",
    "slug": "3news",
    "url": "https://3news.com/news/poor-trade-infrastructure-limiting-afcftas-full-potential-mahama"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "President John Mahama has highlighted that Africa's inability to fully benefit from the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) stems from inadequate trade infrastructure. At a ceremony recognizing him with an honorary degree at the Russia University of Transport, Mahama emphasized that while the continent has created a unified market through AfCFTA, poor roads, inadequate railways, and underdeveloped ports continue to hinder the realization of this potential. \"Even though we have passed the African Continental Free Trade Area which makes the whole of Africa one market, we cannot get the full potential of the African Continental Free Trade Area because we do not even have the infrastructure for trading amongst ourselves,\" Mahama stated. He pointed out the poor condition of roads between countries and the lack of well-maintained ports capable of handling international goods. Mahama urged Russia to enhance its cooperation with Africa to address these infrastructure challenges, noting Russia's long-standing commitment to the continent. He praised Russia's historical support, including its stance against apartheid and colonialism, viewing it as a true friend of Africa. Mahama expressed hope that this would inspire further solidarity between African nations and Russia.",
  "summary": "President John Mahama has said African countries are unable to experience full benefits from the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) due to poor transport infrastructure.",
  "key_points": [
    "President John Mahama says poor trade infrastructure limits AfCFTA's full potential.",
    "Inadequate roads, railways, and ports hinder intra-African trade.",
    "Mahama urges Russia to boost cooperation to improve African infrastructure."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}