Harakatiza Muungano President Kwame Danquah has called for deeper political and economic integration across Sub-Saharan Africa. He stated that stronger regional cooperation is essential for accelerating industrialisation, reducing poverty, and improving the continent's global competitiveness. This call was made during the Harakatiza Muungano conference in Accra on July 25, 2026.
Mr. Danquah emphasised that Africa must move beyond fragmented markets and colonial-era divisions. He believes this step is necessary to build a more united and prosperous future for the continent. The movement he leads is committed to promoting regional integration, removing trade barriers, and fostering seamless political and economic cooperation.
Africa remains vulnerable to global economic shocks due to its heavy dependence on exporting primary commodities. Its limited intra-African trade also contributes to this vulnerability. The World Bank's 2023 report indicates Africa's combined Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is about US$3 trillion. This represents only a small share of the global economy, with the continent contributing just 3 per cent of global trade. Intra-African trade stands at approximately 15 per cent, significantly lower than in Europe and Asia.
Mr. Danquah warned that African economies would continue to face external economic pressures without bold structural reforms and accelerated industrialisation. He stated, “Unless African countries undertake bold structural reforms and accelerate industrialisation, they will remain exposed to external economic shocks and protectionist trade policies.” He also highlighted Africa's rapidly growing youth population, projected to reach 2.5 billion people by 2050. More than 60 per cent of Sub-Saharan Africa's population will be under 30 by then. This demographic dividend presents an opportunity through investments in education, technology, skills development, and infrastructure.
The Harakatiza Muungano President expressed concern over young Africans risking dangerous migration routes for better opportunities abroad. He described this as a challenge underscoring the urgent need for economic reforms. He asserted, “It is time to fix African economies through integration and reforms.” To address these issues, Mr. Danquah proposed establishing an integrated African "Social Security Penta-Fund." This fund aims to strengthen social protection and mobilise long-term investment capital.
The proposed initiative would include a mortgage finance scheme, a medical insurance fund, an education trust fund, a social savings and investment scheme, and a provident and pensions fund. These components would support both formal and informal sector workers across the continent. Mr. Danquah urged conference participants to champion the vision of a politically united and economically integrated Sub-Saharan Africa. Such a region, he believes, could create jobs, attract investment, and deliver sustainable prosperity for future generations.