CPPE identify poor infrastructure, multiple checkpoints as major barriers to African trade facilitation

The Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE), Dr. Muda Yusuf, has called for urgent reforms in trade facilitation across West and Central Africa to address persistent challenges that continue to undermine the competitiveness of regional economies and hinder the effective implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Speaking at the Union of African Shippers’ Councils (UASC) Sub-Regional Seminar held in Lagos, Dr. Yusuf identified multiple checkpoints, long waiting times at borders and ports, poor transport infrastructure, manual documentation processes, and weak regional coordination as major bottlenecks to smooth trade flow within the subregion.

He noted that while the region is endowed with significant trade potential, these obstacles increase transport costs, delay cargo movement, discourage investment, and raise the cost of goods for consumers.

“Faith plays a vital role in the economies of West and Central Africa, but the movement of goods across borders remains one of the most difficult in the world. Long delays, excessive checkpoints, and cumbersome paperwork have reduced competitiveness and increased business costs,” he said.

Highlighting the importance of trade facilitation, Dr. Yusuf explained that simplifying procedures, digitalizing operations, and improving coordination could boost job creation, government revenue, and regional integration.

He cited the Abidjan–Lagos Corridor, covering Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Togo, Benin, and Nigeria as the most critical trade route facing severe challenges, with trucks spending between 6 to 10 days in transit and up to 52 hours at borders, alongside informal payments and inconsistent regulations.

Dr. Yusuf called for the use of digital tools such as electronic single windows, automated customs processes, pre-arrival documentation, and digital tracking systems to reduce congestion and improve efficiency at ports and borders.

He also urged the establishment of joint border posts, trusted trader programmes, and harmonized axle load limits to streamline regional trade and logistics operations.

“Reducing trade costs and improving transport productivity is not only about infrastructure; it’s about simplifying processes, using technology wisely, and working together across borders,” he emphasized.

He further advocated for strong political will, transparency, and accountability, noting that corruption and informal payments thrive in inefficient systems.

Dr. Yusuf added that with practical reforms, regional cooperation, and commitment from both governments and the private sector, West and Central Africa can unlock vast economic opportunities, improve trade competitiveness, and strengthen economic growth under the AfCFTA framework.