Former Chairperson of the African Union Commission and architect of Agenda 2063, Her Excellency Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, has urged African leaders to take decisive steps toward industrial self-reliance.
In a high-level strategic meeting held in Johannesburg on the theme, “Until We Build, We Beg: A Continent’s Fate Hangs Between Factories and Dependency,” Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma emphasised that Africa’s path to prosperity lies in producing what it consumes and refining what it exports.
“Every unbuilt factory is a missed opportunity. Africa doesn’t need pity; it requires purposeful production.” She said.
The Former Chairperson of the African Union Commission outlined some eight interconnected priorities essential for the continent’s development. These includes;
• Implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)
• Inclusive industrialisation
• Rural economic transformation
• Empowerment of women and youth
• Realisation of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs)
• Execution of Agenda 2063
• Mindset shift towards African identity and responsibility
• Control of the African narrative through positive storytelling
Renowned industrialisation strategist, Professor Douglas Boateng, also challenged African governments and institutions to go beyond policy and titles, but rather invest in long-term, generational thinking.
“Leadership is about foresight, it’s about planting trees under whose shade we may never sit,” said Prof. Boateng.
Both Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma and Prof. Douglas Boateng lamented the neglect of rural economies, noting that the continued migration of Africa’s youth to urban centres reflects a lack of opportunity in rural communities.
“Our youth are not fleeing home, they are fleeing hopelessness. If we bring roads, factories, and innovation to them, they will build and thrive where they are.” Dr. Dlamini-Zuma hinted.
The dialogue was a clear rejection of development in theory alone and a call for urgent imperatives to reverse the trend of underdevelopment across the continent.
