President John Mahama has made a compelling case for Africa to shift from being a supplier of raw materials to a producer of finished goods.
Speaking at the Africa Prosperity Dialogues 2025, President Mahama argued that Africa’s dependence on exporting raw materials has left the continent vulnerable to global market fluctuations.
“Whether it is cocoa in Ghana, oil in Nigeria, copper in Zambia, or diamonds in Botswana, we must process and add value to our natural resources,” he stated.
Industrialisation as a Path to Prosperity
President Mahama emphasised that industrialisation is key to achieving long-term prosperity and reducing economic disparities. He urged African governments to implement policies that promote value addition and local manufacturing, rather than relying on resource extraction alone. “By producing finished goods, we enhance our share of global trade and generate sustainable jobs for our citizens,” he said.
To achieve this vision, President Mahama called for greater investment in Special Economic Zones (SEZs) that encourage manufacturing and innovation, access to finance for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which drive local economies, and technical and vocational education to equip Africa’s youth with industry-relevant skills.
The Role of Government and Private Sector
President Mahama stressed the importance of collaboration between the public and private sectors in driving industrial growth. “Governments must work hand in hand with businesses to create an environment that fosters investment and innovation,” he noted. He also highlighted the need for regulatory frameworks that support industrial development and attract both domestic and foreign investors.
AfCFTA and Regional Integration
President Mahama linked industrialisation to the success of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which aims to create the world’s largest free trade zone. He urged African countries to harmonise trade policies, reduce non-tariff barriers, and strengthen intra-African supply chains. “We must ensure that our industries produce goods that meet regional and global standards,” he said.
