The President of Harakatiza Muungano (Union Movement), Mr Kwame Danquah, has called for deeper political and economic integration across Sub-Saharan Africa, arguing that stronger regional cooperation is essential to accelerating industrialisation, reducing poverty and improving the continent's global competitiveness.

Addressing delegates at the Harakatiza Muungano conference in Accra, Mr Danquah said Africa must move beyond fragmented markets and colonial-era divisions to build a more united and prosperous future.

He described the movement as one committed to promoting regional integration, removing barriers to trade and fostering seamless political and economic cooperation across the continent.

According to him, Africa remains vulnerable to global economic shocks because of its heavy dependence on exporting primary commodities and limited intra-African trade.

Citing the World Bank's 2023 report, he said Africa's combined Gross Domestic Product stands at about US$3 trillion, accounting for only a small share of the global economy, while the continent contributes just 3 per cent of global trade. He also noted that intra-African trade remains around 15 per cent, significantly lower than Europe and Asia.

Mr Danquah warned that without bold structural reforms and accelerated industrialisation, African economies would continue to face external economic pressures and protectionist trade policies.

“Unless African countries undertake bold structural reforms and accelerate industrialisation, they will remain exposed to external economic shocks and protectionist trade policies,” he said.

He further highlighted Africa's rapidly growing youth population, noting that the continent is projected to have about 2.5 billion people by 2050, with more than 60 per cent of Sub-Saharan Africa's population under the age of 30.

He said this presents an opportunity to harness a demographic dividend through investment in education, technology, skills development and infrastructure.

The Harakatiza Muungano President also expressed concern over the growing number of young Africans risking dangerous migration routes in search of better opportunities abroad, describing it as a challenge that underscores the need for urgent economic reforms.

“It is time to fix African economies through integration and reforms,” he stated.

Mr Danquah proposed the establishment of an integrated African "Social Security Penta-Fund" to strengthen social protection and mobilise long-term investment capital.

He said the initiative would comprise a mortgage finance scheme, medical insurance fund, education trust fund, social savings and investment scheme, and a provident and pensions fund to support both formal and informal sector workers.

He concluded by urging participants to champion the vision of a politically united and economically integrated Sub-Saharan Africa capable of creating jobs, attracting investment and delivering sustainable prosperity.

“Let us leave this conference motivated to spread the message to build a politically united and economically integrated sub-region which posterity will inherit as a land of prosperity, security and peaceful development,” he said.