MOPAT Group highlighted the importance of greater regulatory connectivity across African markets during AIM Congress 2026 in Dubai on 8 September, arguing that reducing cross-border regulatory complexity will be critical to realising the full potential of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Speaking during “Mobilising Investment for Continental Integration: Investing Across Africa’s Connected Markets,” held in cooperation with AfCFTA, MOPAT Group Chief Financial Officer Babacar Dione highlighted how differing national regulations can create practical barriers for businesses operating across borders, including when moving capital between markets.
He stressed that greater consistency between regulatory systems, alongside a stable and predictable regulatory environment, would make it easier for businesses to operate across multiple markets and give investors greater confidence to make long-term commitments.
Commenting on the need for greater regulatory connectivity, Dione said:
“AfCFTA gives us the vision of one market, but in practice businesses can still need almost 54 different keys to open 54 different doors. Reducing these barriers is essential to unlocking the full potential of a single African market. Over the coming year, I would like to see tangible progress on regulatory connectivity that brings us closer to one market in practice, not only in principle.”
Dione also participated in “Fueling Africa’s Digital Leap: How to Build Sustainable Startups in Finance and Agriculture,” where he highlighted infrastructure as an important enabler of agricultural development and stressed the need to bring together capital, technology and infrastructure to support sustainable growth. This reflects MOPAT Group’s approach to project development, which focuses on turning economic priorities into viable, long-term projects with tangible development impact.
The discussions at AIM Congress reflect many of the priorities shaping MOPAT Group’s work across Africa, from greater market integration and infrastructure development to creating the conditions for sustainable investment and long-term economic growth. Founded by Mouhamad Rassoul Dieng and Habyba Thiero, the Group develops projects designed to turn Africa’s opportunities into practical, deliverable initiatives.