ABUJA, Nigeria – The World Trade Organization has urged African countries to strengthen regional value chains, expand local manufacturing and invest in infrastructure to increase the continent's influence in global trade.

The call was made by WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala during a conference on Africa's economic integration and structural transformation in Abuja.

Represented by international trade adviser Jean-Yves Remy, Okonjo-Iweala said Africa had significant economic potential because of its natural resources, youthful population and access to international markets.

She noted that the continent holds nearly 30 per cent of the world's critical mineral reserves, including cobalt, lithium, manganese, copper, nickel and graphite.

However, Africa accounts for only about three per cent of global exports, highlighting the gap between its resource wealth and its participation in international trade.

The WTO chief said African economies needed to move beyond exporting raw materials and instead develop industries capable of processing resources and manufacturing finished products locally.

She also identified infrastructure shortages, institutional weaknesses and non-tariff barriers as major obstacles to the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area.

Improved roads, ports, electricity supplies, shipping connections and trade financing were among the priorities she highlighted.

The WTO said stronger regional cooperation could help African countries retain more economic value, create jobs and become more competitive in global markets.