President John Dramani Mahama has called for a new era of investment-driven partnerships between Africa and the rest of the world, declaring that the continent is no longer seeking sympathy but strategic and mutually beneficial economic cooperation.
Speaking at the 12th Africa Debate, held at the historic Guildhall in the City of London, Mahama said Africa’s growing population, abundant natural resources and expanding markets make it one of the world’s most attractive investment destinations.
“Africa does not seek sympathy. Africa seeks partnerships,” the President told investors and business leaders, urging global partners to engage the continent through investment, innovation and enterprise.
He argued that the longstanding model in which Africa exports raw materials and imports finished products must give way to one centred on industrialisation, value addition, technology transfer and infrastructure development.
“The era in which Africa served merely as a source of raw materials for other nations’ industrialisation must end,” Mahama stated.
“The future relationship between Africa and the world must be built on value addition, industrialisation, technology transfer, infrastructure investment, skills development and shared prosperity.”
The President said Africa’s vast reserves of critical minerals, combined with opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), position the continent as a major player in the global economy and energy transition.
Highlighting Ghana’s economic recovery, Mahama said reforms implemented since 2025 have restored confidence in the economy and improved the country’s attractiveness to investors.
“Today, Ghana is witnessing renewed growth and improved investor confidence,” he said, adding that the country’s recovery was “not merely statistical; it is structural.”
He pointed to the government’s 24-Hour Economy initiative and the Big Push infrastructure programme as key drivers of growth, creating opportunities in manufacturing, agriculture, transport, logistics, energy, digital services and exports.
Delivering a direct message to potential investors, Mahama declared: “Ghana is open for business. More importantly, Ghana is ready for strategic partnerships anchored in long-term value creation.”
He assured investors that Ghana remains committed to improving the business environment through reforms aimed at increasing transparency, strengthening institutions and creating a predictable investment climate.
Mahama also called for stronger UK-Africa economic relations, stressing that future engagement should be anchored on trade, enterprise and investment rather than aid.
He concluded by urging global investors to view Africa as a growth frontier, stating: “Africa is not a risk to be managed; Africa is an opportunity to be seized.”
“Africa is not waiting to be rescued. Africa is building, Africa is transforming, and Ghana is proud to be part of that transformation,” he added.
CREDIT: MAVIS FANTEVI
