The Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, has stated that security and free movement are complementary pillars of Africa’s economic transformation, not opposing objectives.

Speaking at the Africa Prosperity Dialogue 2026 in Accra, Mr Mohammed-Mubarak highlighted that the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) offers a historic opportunity for economic integration, but its success hinges on addressing security concerns, migration governance, and border management challenges.

“The theme today, Empowering SMEs, Women, and Youth in Africa’s Single Market through Innovation, Collaboration, and Trade, resonates deeply. At its heart are our Small and Medium Enterprises, the lifeblood of African economies,” he said.

The Interior Minister underscored the need for smart, coordinated, and technology-enabled approaches to facilitate trade while ensuring safety and trust.

He pointed to the ECOWAS Protocol on Free Movement of Persons as a successful model, enabling visa-free travel for up to 90 days across West Africa.

He also advocated for a common, harmonized African Union biometric identity system, noting, “A borderless Africa does not mean borderless security; it means smart borders.”

The Minister called for integrated border management, investment in capacity-building for frontline officers, and deployment of technology-driven clearance and verification systems. “Let us build an Africa where goods move freely, people move safely, and prosperity moves widely,” he added.

On her part, the Minister of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Elizabeth Agyare Ofosu, stressed that addressing financing gaps for SMEs remains a priority for the government, and encouraged participants to engage in productive deliberations during the dialogue.

The Africa Prosperity Dialogue 2026 brings together leaders from government, business, and civil society, offering high-level discussions, panel sessions, and networking opportunities aimed at driving practical solutions for Africa’s economic integration.