President John Dramani Mahama has called on African leaders to urgently invest in skills development, regional cooperation, and domestic production as the continent positions itself to compete in an increasingly fast-changing global economy.
Speaking at the Accra Reset Davos Convening on Thursday, January 22, President Mahama warned that Africa risks being left behind if it fails to innovate and build competitive economies, particularly at a time when the continent’s young population is growing increasingly impatient for opportunity.
He stressed that the first priority must be skills development aligned with real economic needs, urging governments to go beyond traditional education to focus on digital, green energy, and manufacturing skills that equip young people to actively build economies rather than merely consume.
President Mahama further underscored the need for regional collaboration, arguing that no single African country can successfully industrialise on its own. He called for the creation of regional manufacturing zones, shared energy grids, and integrated digital infrastructure to give African businesses scale and workers broader access to jobs.
Turning to Africa’s engagement with the global economy, the President urged countries to negotiate collectively on key issues such as minerals, trade, and climate finance. According to him, fragmented negotiations weaken Africa’s bargaining power, while unity strengthens its position on the global stage.
He also highlighted the importance of domestic production, insisting that Africa must manufacture critical goods such as vaccines, semiconductors, and solar panels to reduce dependency and strengthen economic resilience. He described industrial policy as essential for survival rather than an outdated approach.
“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 said.