President John Dramani Mahama has called on African nations to move away from being exporters of raw materials and transition into producers and exporters of value-added goods.
Speaking at the 2025 Africa Prosperity Dialogues in Accra, he emphasized the need for a strategic shift to harness the continent’s full economic potential.
President Mahama argued that trading in finished goods would not only strengthen intra-African trade ties but also foster economic growth, reduce import dependence, and create wealth for citizens.
The 2025 Africa Prosperity Dialogues was held under the theme “Delivering Africa’s Single Market through Infrastructure: Invest, Connect and Integrate.”
The discussions focused on enhancing trade relationships across the continent to create jobs, boost intercontinental business, and build a stronger African economy.
During the closing ceremony, President Mahama highlighted the importance of trade capacity-building and the creation of an enabling environment for private sector growth.
He urged African leaders to prioritize supporting private businesses to help reduce unemployment and improve the overall quality of life on the continent.
“African nations must invest in infrastructure and policies that drive the production of finished goods and foster private sector growth. This will open doors for employment and elevate economic standards,” President Mahama remarked.
The call comes at a crucial time when Africa is focusing on operationalizing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to strengthen its position in the global market.