President John Dramani Mahama has urged African governments to strengthen collaboration with the private sector to accelerate industrialization and economic growth across the continent.
Speaking at the final session of the Africa Prosperity Dialogues (APD) 2025, Mr. Mahama emphasized the importance of establishing special economic zones (SEZs) to enhance manufacturing, drive innovation, and create employment opportunities.
He also stressed the pivotal role of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Africa’s economic transformation, highlighting the need for improved financial access to help businesses scale.
“SMEs are the backbone of our economies, and they need financial support to scale up and drive industrial transformation,” he stated.
Mahama further called for increased investment in technical and vocational education to equip Africa’s workforce with skills aligned with emerging industries.
“Industrialization cannot thrive without a skilled workforce. Governments must prioritize education and training tailored to the needs of modern industries,” he added.
In addition, he emphasized the importance of research and development (R&D) in fostering homegrown innovation and urged policymakers to embrace fintech and e-commerce as key drivers of economic growth.
“Technology has the power to make Africa more competitive if we embrace it strategically,” he noted.
Mahama’s remarks align with the broader objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which aims to enhance intra-African trade, boost industrialization, and drive digital transformation.
