Ambassador of United States to Ghana, Robert Porter Jackson, has urged young entrepreneurs in the sub-region to trade more among themselves in order to drive the transformation Africa needs.
“While I serve as the Ambassador to Ghana, promoting regional development is very much a part of our broader goals, especially with the US Agency for International Development (USAID) West Africa Mission in Accra.
We want to see West African nations trading more among themselves. Our West African Trade Hub is evidence of that,” he said at the Mandela Washington Fellowship Reunion Conference held in Accra.
West Africa currently has a population of 350 million and it is expected to increase to 500 million people in 20 years. This, many believe, presents abundant opportunities for the sub-region.
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo in his speech at the 42nd anniversary of ECOWAS Day in Accra, said political will by leaders in the sub-region is a key element in making the regional integration agenda happen.
“The European Union (EU) took off because the political leadership of France and Germany decided to make it work. Once the political will is evident, we can then work together to make ECOWAS a true regional market,” he said.
He added that: “The new crop of West African leaders is determined to free their people from a mindset of dependence, aid, charity and hand-outs; bent on mobilising Africa’s own immeasurable resources to resolve Africa’s problems and recognise the connectedness of their people and economies to those of their neighbours.”
Africa is touted as an attractive investment destination and a key market for goods and services. The continent’s population of 600 million is set to double by 2040, overtaking both China and India.
Amy Jadesimi, in an article titled: “Intra Africa Trade: A Catalyst For Peace And Prosperity” published in Forbes stated that “intra-Africa trade is a US$6 trillion opportunity for Africa in the short term, and US$12 trillion in the long-term.”
The conference
The Mandela Washington Reunion Conference was attended by about 130 young entrepreneurs of the YALI alumni from 21 West Africa and Central African countries.
Mr. Jackson charged the young entrepreneurs to deliberate on practical ways they can promote trade among themselves and drive the African transformation agenda.
“I admire your determination to go in-depth on this topic and take the tough questions: what changes must be made to policies, regulatory frameworks, and service delivery to make Africa more integrated?
How can environmental resources be managed for the greater good? How do we cultivate progressive leadership styles and a youth mindset that says ‘I will do my part?’ …Without a doubt, a united West Africa will have the economic, political and social clout to act and compete on the world stage.
You can help transform this region and this continent. It won’t be an easy task, but leaders are those who refuse to give up in the face of challenges or obstacles. Leaders search for solutions,” Mr. Jackson told the entrepreneurs.
He further encouraged them to be innovative, as that is the main quality that can bring change to the continent.
“Africa is faced with many economic, social, political and technological challenges. Innovation is what is needed to change the face of the continent. Fortunately, as young people, you are almost hard-wired to be more receptive to innovations—to new ideas and new procedures—than those of us who have been around a little longer,” he said.
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