President John Dramani Mahama has urged African leaders to take decisive steps toward positioning the continent as a major force in the global economy, stressing that Africa must take control of its economic future amid a shifting world order.
Speaking at the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9) in Tokyo on Thursday, August 21, 2025, President Mahama said current global dynamics—including the weakening of multilateral cooperation—require bold leadership from Africa to attract sustainable trade and investment.
“We are holding TICAD 9 at a time of rapid changes in the global order. Multilateralism is retreating, and many countries are choosing unilateral actions over collective global progress,” he observed.
He noted with concern that even the world’s leading economies are becoming more protectionist, introducing tariffs that disrupt global trade and threaten long-term economic growth.
“The recent wave of tariffs and counter-tariffs has already strained global trade. These trade wars will have lingering consequences on prosperity worldwide,” he said.
Mahama proposed the formation of a “coalition of the willing”—a group of forward-looking nations and partners committed to advancing a fair and inclusive global economy.
He emphasized that Africa’s 1.4 billion population, growing middle class, and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) give it a strategic advantage to become the next major destination for global investment.
“Africa is open for business. It is the next frontier for trade and investment,” he declared.
While highlighting the importance of partnerships like TICAD, the President was clear that real progress will depend on African leaders’ commitment to building strong institutions, ensuring political stability, and creating favorable environments for business and development.
