Nana Akufo-Addo Calls for African Unity to Drive Economic Growth and Development
Former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has urged African nations to prioritize stronger cooperation and shared economic growth to advance the continent’s development agenda. Speaking at the launch of former Nigerian Head of State General Ibrahim Babangida’s autobiography on February 20, 2025, in Abuja, Nigeria, Akufo-Addo emphasized the importance of unity in overcoming Africa’s economic challenges.
Africa’s Potential: A Call for Unity and Collaboration
During his address, Akufo-Addo highlighted Africa’s immense potential while acknowledging the obstacles hindering its progress. “Africa’s potential is undeniable, yet our progress continues to be hampered by divisions and a lack of collaborative effort,” he stated. He called for regional integration, trade partnerships, and political stability as key drivers of prosperity.
The former ECOWAS Chair stressed that unity among African nations is critical to the success of initiatives like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which aims to create a single market for goods and services across the continent. He noted that intra-African trade remains significantly low compared to other regions, a challenge that must be addressed to spur economic transformation.
Strengthening Partnerships for Economic Transformation
Akufo-Addo emphasized the need for African countries to harmonize trade policies and foster industrialization to reduce economic dependency. “By strengthening our partnerships, harmonizing trade policies, and fostering industrialization, we can break free from economic dependency and dictate our own development trajectory,” he added.
He also urged African leaders to adopt a collective approach to addressing security challenges, including terrorism, insurgency, and political instability, which threaten the continent’s progress.
Celebrating General Babangida’s Legacy
Akufo-Addo commended General Ibrahim Babangida for his contributions to Nigeria’s political and economic landscape, describing him as a statesman whose leadership offers valuable lessons for governance in Africa. “Our generation of leaders has a responsibility to build on the foundations laid by visionaries like General Babangida. We must work together to craft policies that empower our people and drive sustainable development,” he remarked.
The event, attended by high-profile political figures, diplomats, and academics, served as a platform for discussions on Africa’s future. Akufo-Addo’s call for unity and shared growth resonated with attendees, who agreed that collaboration is essential to addressing the continent’s challenges.
A Vision for a Prosperous Africa
Concluding his address, Akufo-Addo expressed optimism about Africa’s future, stating that stronger ties and a collective spirit of progress are key to achieving shared prosperity. “The Africa we seek, one of shared prosperity and dignity, will only be realized through deliberate cooperation and an unwavering commitment to our people’s aspirations,” he affirmed.
For more insights into Africa’s development agenda, visit African Union and explore initiatives like the AfCFTA.
Call to Action: Join the Movement for African Unity
Let’s work together to build a stronger, more united Africa. Share your thoughts on how African nations can foster collaboration and economic growth in the comments below. Together, we can drive the continent toward a brighter future.