President John Dramani Mahama has called on African leaders to take decisive steps to shape the continent’s role in the global economy, warning that the current world order demands strategic leadership.
Speaking at the ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9) in Tokyo, Japan, on Thursday, Mahama said, “We are holding TICAD 9 against the backdrop of a rapidly changing world order. Multilateralism is on the retreat, and countries are increasingly acting unilaterally.”
He expressed concern over rising protectionism, noting that “the recent round of tariffs and retaliatory tariffs has sparked world trade and the global economy,” with long-term consequences for global growth.
Mahama urged African nations to leverage the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and build a “coalition of the willing” to drive sustainable development.
“Africa is open for business, and it is the next frontier for trade and investment here stated, adding that while partnerships like TICAD are vital, “the ultimate responsibility lies with African leaders to create a conducive environment for trade and investment.”
