Joseph Isangura
Tanzania and Mozambique have called on African nations to accelerate implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area, urging the continent to pursue economic liberation through industrialisation, regional trade and investment, arguing that political independence alone is no longer sufficient to secure Africa’s future.
The appeal was made on July 3, 2026, as Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan and Mozambican President Daniel Francisco Chapo jointly inaugurated the 50th Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair (DITF), widely known as Sabasaba, at the Julius Nyerere Trade Fair Grounds.
Addressing government officials, diplomats, investors and business leaders, President Chapo said Africa’s liberation struggle has entered a new phase—one focused on achieving economic sovereignty.
“If our founders conquered political freedom, it is up to us to conquer economic freedom,” Chapo said.
He urged African governments to move beyond policy commitments and accelerate practical implementation of the AfCFTA by investing heavily in transport corridors, ports, railways, energy systems, digital infrastructure and regional logistics networks capable of supporting seamless cross-border trade.
“The African Continental Free Trade Area offers us a historic opportunity to make our markets more integrated and competitive. But this integration will not happen through agreements alone; it requires roads, railways, ports, airports, energy infrastructure, digital systems and mechanisms that facilitate the movement of goods, services, capital and people,” he said.
President Chapo argued that Africa must end its long-standing dependence on exporting raw materials while importing expensive finished products manufactured from the same resources.
Instead, he called for greater investment in manufacturing, value addition, scientific research, innovation, artificial intelligence and regional industrial value chains to create jobs, expand exports and strengthen the continent’s competitiveness in the global economy.
His remarks echoed growing calls by African leaders for a shift from commodity-driven economies toward industrial production capable of generating higher incomes and sustainable economic growth.
President Samia said deeper regional integration remains essential for unlocking Africa’s economic potential, attracting investment and expanding intra-African trade.
The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation between Tanzania and Mozambique in areas including trade, energy, transport, infrastructure and investment.
Earlier in the day, President Samia formally welcomed President Chapo at the State House in Dar es Salaam, where the Mozambican leader signed the visitors’ book before holding bilateral talks.
The visit underscores the close relationship between the neighbouring countries and reflects broader efforts to deepen economic cooperation within the Southern African region.
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The 50th edition of the Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair has brought together thousands of exhibitors and business representatives from across Africa and beyond, serving as a platform to promote investment, innovation and regional commerce.
The joint message from the two presidents comes as African governments intensify efforts to operationalise the AfCFTA, widely regarded as the world’s largest free trade area by number of participating countries.
If fully implemented, the agreement is expected to boost intra-African trade, strengthen industrialisation, reduce dependence on external markets and position Africa as a more influential player in the global economy.
