Restrictive policies and overregulation have historically stifled entrepreneurship in Africa, discouraging investment and limiting innovation, former President John Dramani Mahama has warned.
Speaking at the Private-Public Business Dialogue during TICAD-9 in Yokohama, Japan, Mr. Mahama urged African governments to shift their approach by treating the private sector as a genuine partner in development rather than an obstacle.
“The public sector must see the private sector as partners and not an irritant,” he said, stressing that governments must design policies and frameworks that enable businesses to grow, create jobs, and drive innovation.
Drawing on his experience as Ghana’s former Minister of Communications, Mr. Mahama recalled how removing licensing requirements for internet cafés in the 1990s unleashed rapid growth, generated employment, and expanded access to technology. He argued that similar reforms are needed today to empower young innovators, particularly in fintech and other emerging industries.
While describing the private sector as the “engine of growth,” he added that it was governments’ duty to provide the “fuel” through stable policies, reliable infrastructure, and an enabling environment for investment.
Turning to Africa’s relationship with Japan, Mr. Mahama called for a transition from aid to trade and investment, insisting that Africa must also strengthen governance, reduce corruption, and ensure accountability to attract long-term partnerships.
He highlighted the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as a transformative platform capable of connecting 1.4 billion people in a single market, but cautioned that weak infrastructure, high freight costs, and limited logistics remain barriers to unlocking its full potential.
Mr. Mahama concluded that Africa’s abundant resources and youthful talent, combined with Japan’s innovation, could drive sustainable transformation if leaders commit to creating the right environment for collaboration.
