Close your eyes for one minute and imagine Africa in many dimensions as you can. Ok! I also did that too, and guess what I saw?, I saw an Africa where prosperity dwells, an Africa that is peaceful and happy, an Africa that knows how to manage and exploit it natural resources, an Africa where our elders sleep free, the youths dream big and the children play freely knowing that the future is assured. Imagine that Africa and ask yourself if it's possible.

Africa has always been a hub of agricultural activities most of which it depended on in the 19th century, but today, not much progress has recorded in recent times. Regardless of this fact, the potentials in the agricultural sector if fully exploited are limitless. The economic commission of Africa (ECA) studies have put together that when African countries trade between themselves, "knowledge is passed, they trade more manufactured and processed goods, build more resilience to movement in demand, support diversification and innovation enterprise as more market opportunities are created", thus trading between African countries has the greatest potentials for creating sustainable economic growth in Africa. In 2015 alone African countries spent about $63bn on food imports largely from outside the continent, this can be avoided if intra-trade policies are fully rolled in place in the nearest future. African countries must understand the need for intra-trade between themselves, and the better future intra-trade holds for the continent. 

Firstly, Free trading is key in driving the motor of intra-trade in Africa, free trade deals with the issues arising from import duties to transportation of agricultural goods and services across the African plain. An AU summit was held in Kigali in 2011 to establish a pan African trade also In march 2018, African countries signed a trade agreement., The African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement (AFCTA) which demands countries to remove tariffs on 90% of goods, gradually liberating trading across the continent. If successful, Africa with a population of over a billion consumers with a GDP of over $3 trillion, will make Africa the largest free trade area in the world. This would go a long way in boosting the economy of Africa not just from agricultural sector but other important and vibrant sectors as well, and investors will see this big market as great opportunity. The president of African development bank, stated that "intra-trade between African countries will stimulate Africa's economy up to $35bn per year and decrease importation by $10bn per year. Good news!.

Secondly Boosting the quality and quantity of agricultural products to match and even surpass foreign market standards. "For instance if the rice produced in Ghana is of good quality, a country like Nigeria and other surrounding countries will buy rice from Ghana and save more money rather than importing rice from Asia". African agricultural market has suffered setbacks due to unmatched competition from imported agricultural goods from abroad. Good standards can be achieved by supporting small and medium scale enterprise(SMEs) from the local and grassroot levels with good seeds, knowledge on standard agricultural practices, all backed up with sustainable policies that will foster agricultural growth, thereby encouraging investment in agriculture from private sectors across the continent. "If the quality of agricultural products increase, then so will patronage and demand", and within a short period of time Africa will be able to feed itself and also increase export of agricultural products abroad. Agricultural products such as cotton, live animals, maiz, tea, fresh fish, vegetables and suger birthed from the bosom of Africa are of high demand, Africa should look at this necessities and dig into the opportunities it holds. "If the product is good, demand and profit will be good too." 

Thirdly, Investment in standard and modern infrastructure and transport systems across Africa should be a thing of great priority, good road networks, railways, standard boarder posts and management to enhance smooth and safe movement of agricultural goods and services therefore promoting intra- trading between various regions of Africa. We cannot say that there is good intra-trading if there is no good transport systems and road networks linking countries and cities where agricultural goods are needed. Farmers must be equipped with modern day facilities and machineries to promote production, enhance speed and processing time of agricultural goods. According the world Bank, agribusiness in Africa will grow to be a $1 trillion industry by the year 2030, this can be easily achieved with mechanisation of agriculture across the continent of Africa.

Lastly, education is vital, to build a nation, to attain great heights and promote excellence in all works of life. Nelson Mandela once said "Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world". The future of our great continent rests on the shoulders of the youths, therefore involving the youths in matters of national building and planning is of great importance. The need to understand and evaluate government policies is vital as a youths, for if they are to be leaders of tomorrow, then they need all the knowledge they can get. This education goes beyond the youths, even the elders need to be informed as well on matters such as intra-trading and how it impacts the economy, agriculture and daily life.

On a conclusive note, Africa as a continent is growing with a fast pace, and unlike any other continent diversity is what makes her very interesting. As a leader I should be able to see opportunities and seize it, I would promote free intra-trade in Africa, drive a revolution in betterment of agricultural products produced in the continent to improve demand, build modern and sustainable infrastructure that will make intra trading easier and faster. 

Opportunities that lies in intra trading and agriculture in Africa are limitless. With vital collaboration and support from sister countries across africa, and the right policies and infrastructure in place, intra-trade amongst African countries will be fully achieved to boost agricultural sector that will be prolific and sustainable to benefit not just Africa but the world. I believe in Africa and the future it holds, just like I imagined it today, tomorrow holds reality and possibility to that imagination.