There are moments in history when leadership is measured not by speeches, but by the courage to speak when silence is easier. Africa is at such a moment.
As our continent pursues deeper economic integration through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), we are simultaneously witnessing renewed xenophobic tensions that threaten not only lives but also the economic future we have spent decades building. This is no longer simply a humanitarian issue. It is an economic issue. It is a leadership issue. And it is increasingly becoming a continental concern.
The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) represents a market of more than 1.4 billion people with a combined gross domestic product exceeding $3 trillion, making it the world’s largest free trade area by participating countries. Its vision is bold: to unlock intra-African trade, attract investment, create jobs, strengthen regional value chains and improve the lives of millions of Africans. That vision depends on one essential ingredient—trust. Trust that people can live and work across borders safely. Trust that businesses can invest with confidence. Trust that governments will uphold the rule of law. Trust that Africa remains committed to regional integration. Xenophobia erodes that trust.
