"Africa Must Prepare For Its Future"- Malawi President Fire Warning To Africa Leaders

We must also ask what this development means for the farmer. in a rural Nigerian community, the manufacturer from Ghana, the entrepreneur in Kenya, the technology innovator in Rwanda, and the young businesswoman in Senegal. In a changing world order, esteemed participants, the geoeconomists of the contemporary world remind us that economic strength and political influence are increasingly interconnected. Countries deploy trade, investment, technology, financial resources, and access to strategic commodities to advance their national interests. The competition for critical minerals, energy resources, food security, technological capabilities and control of strategic supply chains demonstrate that economic Resources have become important instruments of geopolitical influence. Africa must therefore approach its economic relations with the rest of the world with greater strategic awareness. We should welcome international investment. partnership and trade cooperation However, this relationship must increasingly be structured to advance our long-term development objectives. Our natural resources must contribute more substantially. to our industrial development. Our markets must offer opportunities for African enterprises to grow. Our young people must acquire the skills required. to participate in the emerging global economy. You cannot reach the destination you did not prepare for. Prepare, let us prepare now. And our countries must develop institutional capacity to negotiate international economic arrangements from positions of informed strength Let me make one important observation. Africa's greatest bargaining power will not come not only from the resources beneath its soil, but also from its ability to transform those resources into productive capacity, technological advancement, and shared prosperity. This is why we must prioritize local value addition, industrial development, and the strength of African enterprises. We must also avoid a situation in which competition among African countries weaken our collective negotiating position. in international economic relations Our diversity should be a source of strength, not fragmentation. 4. Structural transformation enabling integration to work for the people. Ladies and gentlemen, the ultimate purpose of economic integration must to improve the lives of ordinary people. We must never lose sight of this fundamental principle. When we discuss trade liberalization, regional value chains, investment flows, and continental markets We must also ask what this development means. for the farmer in rural Nigeria Community, the manufacturer in Ghana the entrepreneur in Kenya, the technology innovator in Rwanda and the young businesswoman in Senegal. Do these policies create opportunities for them? Can they access finance, technology, and broader markets? Can they compete across borders that have been overwhelmed? by regulatory barriers and unnecessary costs? Are our young people finding meaningful employment through The opportunities created by integration. These are the practical questions that should inform our assessment after implementation. Structural transformation requires us to move from low productivity, economic activities, toward higher value production. Supported by innovation, technological skills, development and efficient institutions, I wish to highlight four areas that deserve particular attention. First agricultural transformation and food security Africa must move beyond exporting agricultural commodities in their raw form We need stronger agro-processing industries, modern agricultural systems, efficient storage facilities and integrated food value chain. Let me pause here and share a bit of what I heard. Se se se se When the Israeli Prime Minister said, I took Mr. President with me when we were in government to Israel. and the Prime Minister of Israel hosted us, myself, 14 governors and 4 deputies, and the President. And because of the dinner, the Prime Minister made a remark, He said the food Israel will eat in 15 years, we already have. Then the senior president, who was the governor of Akwa Ibom, Everyone was happy, smiling, but I couldn't. So I held his hand and I said to him, "Baby, you said" The food Israel will eat in 15 years, you already have have how he said well after this dinner I would like To talk to you, ladies and gentlemen, I say That was what inspired me to build a farm. of 1,800 hectares today we are training and empowering the youth of our nation so when meetings of this nature take place, when we come together We are going home with some things that can help us. not only to transform our society but also to assist our community. The second question. Her issue here is industrialization and manufacturing. African countries must cooperate in developing industries. that take advantage of their complementary sources and capabilities. We should encourage joint investment in pharmaceuticals, textiles, automotive parts, fertilizers, machinery renewable energy, equipment, and other strategic industries. No African country, no African country, no African country. Need to manufacture everything, but every African country should be able to participate meaningfully in continental production networks. If you are not known for anything, Of course, you will earn nothing. The third, human capital and technological advancement. Our young population is one of our greatest assets. But demographic potential becomes an economic advantage only when it is effectively harnessed through appropriate policies, investments in human capital, and the creation of employment opportunities. when supported by education, relevant skills, innovation and productivity employment I would like to say here, as part of that effort, the World Bank is currently Training some of the youth in Africa or Nigeria in farming. And we are happy to say that that effective collaboration is going to yield the desired result for our nation, Nigeria. We must invest in science, technology, engineering, digital infrastructure and entrepreneurship The digital economy offers opportunities. for African businesses to overcome geographical barriers and participate more effectively in regional and global trade. Fourth, inclusive economic participation. Women, young people, small businesses, and operators in the informal sector. must not be left behind as we move forward We must create opportunities for women. Led Enterprises Youth-Owned Businesses and Small and medium-sized enterprises to participate in cross-border trade and after that, benefits will only fully go to large corporations To achieve its developmental purpose, our integration must be inclusive. 5. Peace, Security, and Political Stability as Foundation for Economic Integration Ladies and Gentlemen, I wish to draw attention to another important dimension of our discussion. The relationship between peace, security, political stability and economic development No economy can achieve sustainable transformation. in an environment characterized by persistent insecurity, violent conflict and institutional instability Trade requires confidence, it requires trust, Investment requires predictability; business requires security of life. and property, infrastructure requires a stable environment for development and maintenance And life requires faith in a system that will help it move forward. Across our continent, insecurity, violent conflicts, organized crime and disruptions to transport and trade routes continue to undermine our economic activities. We must therefore recognize that economic integration and peacebuilding are mutually reinforcing. Reinforcing. A prosperous and interconnected Africa has stronger incentives for peaceful cooperation, while peace stability fosters the conditions necessary for investment, trade, and development Our regional institutions must continue to strengthen cooperation. in addressing security challenges, protecting critical infrastructure and ensuring the safe movement of people and goods. We must also appreciate the importance of credible democracy. institutions, accountable governance, and the rule of law in building investor confidence and sustaining development. There can be no durable economic transformation without peace. without stability, and strong institutions. The strategic responsibility of Nigeria, ladies and gentlemen. As we gather in Abuja. The capital of Nigeria, it is appropriate to reflect Nigeria's responsibility in advancing Africa's economic integration. Nigeria holds an important position in the African economic landscape. Its population, entrepreneurial capacity, industrial potential, financial institution and strategic location give it significant opportunity to contribute to the success of EFTA. However, leadership in continental integration must be demonstrated through practical contribution and visible evidence. Nigeria must continue to...