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Message: [QUOTE="Nehanda, post: 28887, member: 2262"] Africa needs $411 billion for better roads and transport to support its big trade plan. Antonio Pedro from the Economic Commission for Africa recently shared this news. The African Continental Free Trade Area wants to connect markets across the continent. This would link 1.3 billion people with combined wealth reaching $3.4 trillion. This African trade group will become the largest created since the World Trade Organization started back in 1994. Zimbabwe jumped at the chance to join early because they recognized the huge market potential. Pedro discussed these points during a finance meeting held in Ethiopia with African leaders. He described how this trade agreement helps Africa develop and lets African nations speak with a unified voice. When countries unite, they stand stronger on the world stage. As Africa prospers, it attracts more business from around the globe. But first, Africa must overcome the leftover problems from colonial days that created tiny, separated economies. This trade agreement represents more than 60 years of work trying to bring African economies together. Progress looks good, but the journey continues. The Economic Commission plans to support African countries until they reach complete economic integration across the continent. Currently, Africa sends about 85 percent of its exports to other continents. Raw materials make up over 60 percent of these foreign sales. Trade between African countries shows more variety and includes more finished products but remains relatively small compared to foreign trade. The new agreement aims to flip this situation. Research indicates that lowering trade barriers between African countries could boost their mutual trade by 45 percent by 2045. Food industries and manufacturing will likely see the biggest gains, helping Africa build factories and secure its food supply. Making this plan work requires major transportation investments: $4 billion for ships, $25 billion for aircraft, $36 billion for rail cars, and $345 billion for trucks. Better rail systems alone could increase train-based trade from barely measurable today to almost seven percent of all trade between African countries. Many African businesses, especially smaller companies, still know very little about this trade agreement. This lack of awareness presents a serious challenge. The benefits can only happen when businesses learn about the agreement, embrace it, and actively participate in making it work. This trade area could transform Africa by connecting countries, building industries, and opening new markets. Success depends on steady funding, aligned policies, and strong business involvement throughout the continent. [/QUOTE]

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