Abdul Samad Rabiu, chairman of BUA Group, has called on African governments to dismantle restrictive visa systems and border bottlenecks that are hindering the full implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Speaking at a regional business forum focused on economic integration, Rabiu emphasized that Africa’s goal of creating a unified continental market cannot be realized if businesspeople, investors, and professionals continue to face movement restrictions within the continent. He argued that trade liberalization must go beyond reducing tariffs and include practical reforms that facilitate the free flow of people, goods, and services across borders.
Rabiu pointed out that despite the AfCFTA’s promise of deeper economic cooperation, many African businesses still encounter significant administrative obstacles, immigration barriers, and inefficient border processes. These challenges, he said, weaken regional trade competitiveness and discourage private sector expansion into new markets. He highlighted the irony that while African countries often grant easier access to foreign visitors, their own entrepreneurs and investors face complex travel requirements when moving between African nations.
The billionaire industrialist stressed that stronger regional integration is essential to accelerating industrialization, strengthening supply chains, and expanding business opportunities beyond domestic markets. He noted that the AfCFTA framework was designed to create a single African market capable of boosting trade volumes, increasing manufacturing capacity, and reducing reliance on imports from outside the continent. However, analysts agree that the agreement’s success hinges not only on trade policies but also on infrastructure development, harmonized regulations, efficient customs procedures, and visa liberalization.
Industry experts have long pointed to Africa’s low level of intra-continental trade compared to regions like Europe and Asia, attributing this gap to persistent structural barriers in transportation, logistics, and cross-border operations. Rabiu’s comments carry particular weight given BUA Group’s extensive operations in cement, food processing, infrastructure, and manufacturing across multiple African countries. The company’s experience with border delays, inconsistent trade policies, and mobility restrictions makes it a key stakeholder in the push for smoother regional movement.
Economic analysts believe that improving mobility across African nations could significantly enhance AfCFTA implementation by attracting more investment, strengthening regional supply chains, and supporting private sector-led growth. As African leaders continue to negotiate and implement policies under the AfCFTA, Rabiu’s call for practical reforms may influence future decisions that shape the continent’s economic future.
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