Private sector must champion Africa’s economic integration – Chief of Staff
The Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, has called on the private sector across Africa to take a leading role in driving the continent’s economic integration and industrial transformation.
Speaking in an address read on his behalf by Presidential Envoy and former Minister of Youth and Sports, Elvis Afriyie Ankrah, at the African Business Unity event in Accra on Saturday, October 18, 2025, Mr Debrah emphasised that the next phase of Africa’s development must be defined by economic collaboration and trade-driven growth.
He said that while political liberation shaped Africa’s progress in the 20th century, economic unity should now be the defining mission of the 21st century. “If political freedom was the defining struggle of the 20th century, then business and economic integration must be the defining mission of the 21st century,” he said.
Drawing from Africa’s historical experiences, Mr Debrah noted that “evidence abounds to show that Africa's development cannot be undertaken by anyone other than Africans themselves.” He stressed that the continent’s private sector holds the key to unlocking sustainable development, job creation, and shared prosperity.
Highlighting the continent’s youthful demographic advantage, he observed that despite Africa’s vast potential — with 60 per cent of its 1.4 billion population under 25 — not a single African company has yet made it to the Fortune Global 500 list. He urged business leaders to consolidate resources, capital, and expertise to create globally competitive enterprises.
“That is the level of enterprise Africa must now build — companies that can drive prosperity and create opportunities for our youth,” he said.
Mr Debrah described the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as “the most transformative economic framework since independence,” noting that it provides Africa with a unified market of 1.3 billion consumers and a combined GDP of 3.4 trillion dollars.
He said the AfCFTA presents a golden opportunity for African businesses to expand production, innovate, and collaborate across borders.
He outlined three key pillars underpinning President John Mahama’s administration’s economic vision: integrated markets, stronger industrial value chains, and deeper collaboration among African business leaders. These, he explained, were essential to achieving self-reliance and inclusive growth.
The Chief of Staff urged African governments to support private sector-led initiatives by “removing trade barriers, strengthening infrastructure, and leading from the forefront in driving regional integration.” He added that when the public and private sectors work together, Africa can create a future anchored on economic independence and shared prosperity.
