President John Dramani Mahama has urged African leaders to invest immediately in skills development, regional cooperation, and domestic production as the continent prepares to compete in a rapidly changing global economy.
Speaking at the Accra Reset Davos Convening on Thursday, January 22, President Mahama cautioned that Africa risks falling behind if it fails to innovate and establish competitive economies, especially as the continent’s young population becomes increasingly impatient for opportunities.
He emphasised that the first goal must be skills development that is matched with genuine economic demands, asking governments to look beyond traditional schooling to focus on digital, green energy, and manufacturing skills that will prepare young people to actively build economies rather than simply consume.
President Mahama further emphasised the necessity of regional cooperation, contending that no African nation can effectively industrialise on its own.
He advocated for the establishment of integrated digital infrastructure, pooled energy grids, and regional manufacturing zones in order to expand employment opportunities for workers and provide African enterprises more scale.
Regarding Africa’s participation in the world economy, the President called on nations to engage in joint negotiations on important topics including trade, climate finance, and minerals.
He claims that while unification improves Africa’s standing internationally, fragmented discussions reduce the continent’s bargaining ability.
He also emphasised the need of indigenous manufacturing, stating that Africa must produce key items such as vaccines, semiconductors, and solar panels in order to minimise dependence and build economic resilience.
He regarded industrial policy as a necessity for survival rather than an obsolete method.
“From vaccines to semiconductors to solar panels, if we don’t make it, we’ll always be dependent on someone who does. Industrial policy isn’t old-fashioned. It is what will make us survive. Let us hold ourselves accountable to our people.
“We cannot ask the world to invest in us if we tolerate corruption, waste, and systems that don’t work. Reset means reform. And reform means results,” he stated.
Source: newsthemegh.com