North Africa has a significant opportunity—an opportunity to deepen its cooperation, trade and integration with sub-Saharan Africa and Europe, and to offer greater growth and prosperity for its people. Sub-Saharan Africa is looking for avenues to tap the potential of its vast resources and people. While Europe accounts for most of North Africa’s trade, trade between North and sub-Saharan Africa is negligible, representing only 4 percent of exports and just 1 percent of imports. North Africa already possesses strong human capital, but there is an opportunity to take that to the next level. That is why I am so pleased to see participants from across North Africa, sub-Saharan Africa and Europe here today to discuss ways to supercharge their integration and collaboration.

Source: The North Africa Journal February 06, 2026 07:06 UTC