President John Dramani Mahama co-chaired the second plenary session of the ongoing 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) in Yokohama, Japan, on Thursday. The event’s theme was “Economy: Co-create Innovative Solutions with Africa.”
Former Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio and Mr. Mahama co-chaired the meeting, which was interrupted by Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa, Kenyan President William Ruto, and Togolese leader Faure Gnassingbe.
Also speaking were President Azali Assoumani of Comoros and UN Under-Secretary General Cristina Duarte.
President Mahama stated in his closing remarks that TICAD-9 is taking place under a period of rapidly shifting global order.
He pointed out that “The world’s largest economy, which should be the driver of global trade and investments, has become more insular and transactional in its relationship with the rest of the world.”
“Africa is open for business.” He had advice for African leaders and their people. “We wish to partner with any nation in the world on a win-win basis. But let’s not kid ourselves! Trade and investments will not come to Africa because we wish for it.”
President Mahama asserts that in order to attract foreign investment, “Africa must undertake the hard but necessary reforms, as countries on the continent.”
“That is why we must silence the guns and stop the fighting. That is why we must reform our economies and make them more stable and predictable. This is why we must reform our governance and make public service accountable and corruption-free,” Mr. Mahama added.
Source: newsthemegh.com