President John Dramani Mahama has warned that Africa risks falling behind unless leaders prioritise skills development, regional cooperation and domestic production.
Speaking at the Accra Reset Davos Convening on Thursday, he said the continent must innovate and create competitive economies to meet the expectations of its growing youth population.
President Mahama underscored skills development as the cornerstone of Africa’s future, arguing that education systems must reflect the realities of modern economies rather than outdated academic models.
He said targeted investments in digital skills, renewable energy and manufacturing would empower young people to become productive contributors to sustainable growth.
The President said industrialisation cannot be achieved by countries working alone, underscoring the need for stronger regional integration.
He urged collaboration through regional manufacturing hubs, shared power systems and connected digital platforms to support business growth and cross-border labour mobility.
President Mahama urged leaders to engage in joint negotiations on crucial issues including minerals, trade, and climate finance, stating that Africa’s impact in the global economy rests on unity.
He noted that divided negotiations diminish the continent’s voice, while collective engagement would deliver far greater leverage.
The President emphasised the urgency of expanding domestic production, saying Africa must manufacture essential goods, including vaccines, semiconductors and solar panels, to limit dependence on foreign suppliers and strengthen economic resilience.
He said this would reduce external dependence and enhance economic resilience, rejecting the idea that industrial policy is obsolete and describing it as indispensable.
“If we do not produce what we need from vaccines to semiconductors to solar panels we will remain dependent on those who do,” President Mahama said. “Industrial policy is not old-fashioned; it is essential to our survival. We must hold ourselves accountable to our people.”
He further underscored the importance of good governance, adding, “We cannot expect the world to invest in us if we tolerate corruption, waste, and systems that do not work. Reset means reform, and reform must deliver results.”
