President John Dramani Mahama has called on African Leaders to prioritise economic independence and prosperity, emphasising the need for value addition, accountable leadership, and regional trade.
Speaking at the Jamhuri Day celebrations in Kenya on Friday, December 12, 2025, President Mahama said, “Our forebearers won for us independence. It is the responsibility of our current African leadership to win economic independence and prosperity for our people.”
He highlighted the challenges Africa faces in the global economic order, noting that many systems are structured to make the continent primarily a supplier of unprocessed raw materials while importing finished goods.
“The time has come for us to add value to our exports. The time has come to claim a fairer share of our natural resource endowment. The time has come to provide transparent and accountable leadership,” he said.
President Mahama further urged African countries to harness the creativity and energy of their youth, while increasing intra-African trade.
“We must increase trade among ourselves, and we recommend a trade protocol within the African Continental Free Trade Area,” he added.
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