Ghana’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Mrs. Sabah Zita Benson, has called for increased investment and innovative financing mechanisms to drive Africa’s green industrialisation agenda, warning that the continent’s development ambitions could remain out of reach without adequate capital.
Speaking at the 3rd International Conference on African Development (ICAD 2026) at Anglia Ruskin University in Cambridge, Mrs. Benson said Africa’s transition to a sustainable and competitive economy requires significant financial commitments across critical sectors.
According to her, while governments across the continent have outlined ambitious plans to promote green growth and industrial transformation, financing remains one of the biggest obstacles to implementation.
“As we discuss green transitions, we must also confront the issue of finance. Ambition without financing remains aspiration,” she said.
Mrs. Benson noted that Africa’s green industrial future will depend on large-scale investments in infrastructure, renewable energy systems, transportation networks, technology, agriculture, research, and innovation.
She explained that these investments are essential not only for meeting climate goals but also for creating jobs, boosting productivity, strengthening value chains, and improving the competitiveness of African economies.
“Africa’s green industrial future will require investment in multiple areas, from energy and transport to agriculture and technology,” she stated.
The High Commissioner stressed that public sector resources alone would be insufficient to finance the continent’s industrialisation agenda, making private sector participation increasingly important.
“Public finance alone will not be enough. We need public-private partnerships and innovative financing models that can unlock the capital required for sustainable development,” she said.
She further emphasized that attracting long-term investment requires governments to establish stable and predictable business environments that inspire confidence among investors while ensuring accountability to citizens.
According to her, strong institutions, transparent governance systems, and policy consistency are critical ingredients for attracting both domestic and foreign investment into green industries.
“While investors need confidence, citizens need accountability. Green industrialisation can only succeed if it is supported by strong institutions, effective governance, and long-term planning,” Mrs. Benson stated.
She also cautioned that Africa’s green transition should not focus solely on environmental targets but must be designed to deliver inclusive economic growth and social benefits.
The continent, she argued, has a unique opportunity to leverage its abundant natural resources, youthful population, and growing consumer markets to become a major player in the global green economy.
However, she noted that this potential can only be realised if governments and development partners work together to mobilise the investments needed to build resilient industries and create sustainable employment opportunities.
Mrs. Benson’s remarks were delivered during a conference held under the theme, “Green Transitions and Inclusive Industrialisation in Africa: Theory to Policy and Practice.”
The event brought together academics, policymakers, business leaders, development partners, and students to explore practical strategies for accelerating Africa’s economic transformation while addressing climate and sustainability challenges.
She urged participants to move beyond dialogue and focus on actionable recommendations that can help shape policies, attract investment, and support industrial growth across the continent.
“We must think across sectors and identify practical recommendations that can support long-term growth, competitiveness, and sustainable development,” she said.
Mrs. Benson expressed optimism that stronger collaboration between governments, investors, researchers, and industry leaders could help position Africa as a leading destination for green investment and sustainable industrial development in the years ahead.
