Nigerian singer and entrepreneur Oluwatosin Oluwole Ajibade, popularly known as Mr Eazi, has urged African leaders and institutions to remove barriers that restrict trade, movement and innovation across the continent.

Speaking at the 2026 Africa Prosperity Dialogue, held under the theme “Empowering SMEs, Women and Youth in Africa’s Single Market: Innovate, Collaborate, Trade,” Mr Eazi said Africa must move from ideas to action to fully benefit from the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Drawing on his experience as a businessman, he said he has spent the past four years focusing on solving challenges that hinder cross-border business. He revealed that he has invested in companies operating in 19 African countries, including one he described as among his proudest achievements.

He noted that current border systems create major obstacles for moving goods, making payments and meeting regulations. These challenges, he said, disproportionately affect young people, artists, creators, women and small business owners seeking better opportunities.

Mr Eazi described a borderless Africa as no longer a philosophy but a necessity, stressing that while agreements exist, effective implementation remains the key. Greater integration, he added, would help small businesses grow into continental champions and enable women and youth to fully participate in the single market and strengthen Africa’s global competitiveness.