President John Dramani Mahama has called on African leaders to invest in skills development, regional cooperation, and domestic production as the continent positions itself to compete in an increasingly fast-changing global economy.
He posited 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 opportunities.
He made the call while speaking at the Accra Reset Davos Convening on Thursday, January 22, 2026. President Mahama indicated that the primary priority must be skills development aligned with real economic needs.
He, therefore, admonished his fellow African leaders to go beyond traditional education and focus on digital technology, green energy, and manufacturing—skills that equip young people to actively build economies rather than merely consume.
He also stressed the need for regional collaboration, adding that no single African country can successfully industrialize on its own.
The Ghanaian leader proposed the creation of regional manufacturing zones, shared energy grids, and integrated digital infrastructure to give African businesses scale and workers broader access to jobs.
Furthermore, he advised African 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.
President Mahama added that Africa must manufacture critical goods, such as vaccines, semiconductors, and solar panels, to reduce dependency and strengthen economic resilience.
“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.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
