President John Dramani Mahama has urged African leaders to urgently prioritise skills development, regional cooperation, and domestic production as the continent seeks to remain competitive in a rapidly evolving 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 build strong, competitive economies—especially at a time when the continent’s youthful population is growing increasingly impatient for opportunity.
He identified skills development as the most critical starting point, stressing the need to align education with real economic demand. The President called on governments to move beyond traditional learning models and invest in digital, green energy, and manufacturing skills that empower young people to actively build economies rather than merely participate as consumers.
President Mahama also emphasised the importance of regional collaboration, noting that no single African country can successfully industrialise in isolation. He advocated the creation of regional manufacturing hubs, shared energy grids, and integrated digital infrastructure to give businesses the scale they need to compete and expand employment opportunities across borders.
On Africa’s engagement with the global economy, the President urged countries to negotiate collectively on strategic issues such as minerals, trade, and climate finance. He said fragmented approaches weaken Africa’s bargaining power, while unity strengthens the continent’s influence on the global stage.
He further highlighted the urgency of boosting domestic production, arguing that Africa must manufacture critical goods—including vaccines, semiconductors, and solar panels—to reduce dependency and build economic resilience. He remindered leaders that industrial policy is not outdated, but essential for survival.
“From vaccines to semiconductors to solar panels, if we don’t make it, we will always be dependent on someone who does. Industrial policy isn’t old-fashioned; it is what will make us survive,” he said.
President Mahama also called for accountability and governance reforms, noting that meaningful investment cannot thrive in environments plagued by corruption and inefficiency.
“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 added.
