Written as a foreword in the APD 2024 Magazine by H.E. Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, Former President, Republic of Ghana
Africa stands poised to be propelled towards prosperity. The Africa Prosperity Network (APN) and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and their partners, once again embark on a transformative journey to challenge prevailing stereotypes and redefine structures that reflect the true essence of the continent. The Africa Prosperity Dialogues (APD) have set the stage for dynamic, actionable narratives that uphold the dignity of Africa and her people.
As Africa and Global Africa step into a future of shared prosperity within a single African market, an Africa Beyond Aid, four key messages that must undergird the continent’s prosperity narrative cannot be overemphasised.
Firstly, there is an urgency to define our own positive narrative. For too long, external perceptions have shaped our identity, overshadowing the richness and potential of our continent. Poverty is not our narrative; prosperity must be, and it demands a collective effort to address governance issues. Investing in our people will help to harness Africa’s abundant resources towards development.
Secondly, a deliberate and committed approach is essential to transform our development trajectory. With abundant natural resources, an active, youthful population, and indigenous knowledge, Africa possesses the necessary elements to become a global powerhouse. To make this happen, we must do business differently by embracing bold development ambitions, fostering innovation, and taking strategic actions to drive economic transformation.
Thirdly, intra-African trade and cross-border impact investments are paramount. Throughout history, robust trade has been a catalyst for development, and the AfCFTA presents an unprecedented opportunity. For it to be a success, we must view the AfCFTA both as a linchpin of our economic transformation and an actionable and bankable policy drive that leads to a continent-wide prosperity.
Finally, the theme for the year 2024 (Produce, Add Value, and Trade) encapsulates the essence of our prosperity vision. To fully leverage the opportunities of a single African market, we must scale up production, add value to our goods and services, and address obstacles hindering intra-African trade. It is time to move beyond trading raw materials and commodities in order to elevate Africa’s position in the global marketplace.
The message from Africa Prosperity Dialogues 2024 is clear: the key to Africa’s prosperity lies in production, value addition, and robust trade. The President of the Republic of Ghana, in collaboration with Ghana’s partners, invites all Africans to join hands in building a solid foundation for the continent’s prosperity-the Africa We Want and the Africa We Deserve.