By Vivian Amoah
President John Dramani Mahama has called for a fundamental change in the way Africa engages with the global economic community, insisting that the continent is seeking fair and mutually beneficial partnerships rather than charity.
He said Africa’s development challenges cannot be addressed through aid alone, arguing that the continent needs access to affordable capital, technology, investment and opportunities that create jobs and support long-term economic transformation.
President Mahama made the call while advocating reforms to the global financial system, noting that Africa continues to face significant financing gaps despite its vast natural resources and growing consumer market.
According to him, African countries require financial systems capable of supporting their development priorities and enabling them to mobilise resources internally.
President Mahama further called for partnerships that deliver jobs, technology transfer, investment and shared prosperity, rather than relationships that leave African economies dependent on the export of raw materials.
He stressed that Africa possesses significant opportunities in renewable energy, agriculture, manufacturing, digital technology and infrastructure, but these opportunities require the right financing and long-term partnerships to unlock their potential.
He has also urged greater South-South cooperation, arguing that collaboration among developing economies can help Africa overcome financing constraints and accelerate industrialisation.
Mahama’s message is that Africa’s relationship with the rest of the world should increasingly be based on mutual benefit, investment and shared development, rather than dependence on aid.
