Addis ababa: Africa’s true progress will come from economic empowerment, and aspirations of the continent for a larger global role will lack credibility without economic clout, Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos noted. Speaking at the Tana Forum underway in Addis Ababa, the Minister highlighted the limitations of relying solely on political leaders for Africa’s prosperity, asserting that true progress will come from economic empowerment.
According to Ethiopian News Agency, Gedion emphasized that Africa’s advancement cannot be delivered by foreign ministers or political figures alone. He pointed out that the real determinant of success would be the economy, and foreign investors cannot be expected to act altruistically. He stressed the importance of fostering local entrepreneurship and investment, citing Ethiopian Airlines as a successful indigenous corporation that has partnered with various stakeholders to create wealth and add value within the continent.
Gedion noted that advanced investors from Kenya and Nigeria have begun investing in Ethiopia, with notable investments including telecommunications from Kenyan operators and a major fertilizer plant established by Nigerian entrepreneur Aliko Dangote. “This model of investment is crucial for enhancing our economic standing and achieving prosperity,” he said, adding that without economic clout, Africa’s aspirations for a larger global role will lack credibility.
He further underscored the importance of investing in youth capacity, particularly in light of technological advancements, calling for a focus on education and skills development. He urged African nations to embrace innovations in artificial intelligence, bioengineering, and quantum computing, emphasizing the need for significant investment in infrastructure and the potential of the youth.
Former Prime Minister of Burkina Faso and Acting Chairperson of Tana Forum Board, Lassina Zerbo, also spoke at the forum. He pointed out that the world is undergoing significant changes, with the foundations of the post-World War II order facing unprecedented challenges. Zerbo warned that two strategic risks – marginalization and fragmentation – threaten the continent’s long-term stability.
Zerbo explained that the risk of marginalization could see Africa becoming a chessboard for external strategies, while fragmentation dilutes Africa’s collective voice, making it vulnerable to external manipulation and missed opportunities. He cited ongoing turmoil in Sudan, insecurity in eastern Congo, and persistent instability in the Horn of Africa as interconnected conflicts exacerbated by terrorism, climate pressures, and cyber threats.
However, Zerbo also identified a historic opportunity for Africa to build a modern peace framework defended and sustained by Africans themselves. He outlined strategic imperatives such as ownership and agency, economic transformation, and multilateralism with responsibility.
Former President of Malawi and Tana Forum Board Member, Joyce Banda, emphasized the need for inclusive leadership to empower Africa’s youth and address the continent’s wealth disparities. Banda stressed the importance of stewardship over Africa’s wealth, noting that many conflicts are fueled by foreign interests and result in significant financial losses for African nations.
Banda called for an all-inclusive approach that engages young people in decision-making processes, expressing concern over the plight of young Africans who migrate in search of opportunities. She urged every African leader to create opportunities at home so that youth do not feel compelled to leave. Banda also advocated for the inclusion of women in leadership roles, citing improvements in female representation across the continent as vital for sustainable development.
Finally, Banda stressed the need for proactive measures to prevent conflicts before they escalate, calling on the African Union and member states to prioritize peacekeeping efforts and support youth involvement in these initiatives.