31/01/2025
**Day 1 of Africa Prosperity Dialogue 2025: Focus on Infrastructure, Trade, and Unity**
*Accra, Ghana - January 30, 2025*
The highly anticipated Africa Prosperity Dialogue 2025 commenced today at the Accra Conference Center, bringing together policymakers, business leaders, and development partners to discuss Africa's economic transformation under the theme, *"Advancing Prosperity through Trade, Investment, and Infrastructure."*
The opening day featured dynamic keynote addresses by influential leaders, emphasizing infrastructure, trade, and collaborative development.
**Infrastructure: The Lifeblood of Africa's Economy**
Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, Chairperson of the APN Advisory Council, set the tone by highlighting the critical role of infrastructure in Africa's development.
*"Infrastructure is the lifeblood of any economy. It is the roads, railways, airways, and seaways that link not only our communities to our cities but also our countries to each other. More importantly, we must trade between our countries,"* she remarked, emphasizing the need for intra-African trade.
She further underscored the importance of leveraging Africa's abundant resources for its people, stating, *"Africa is not poor; it is the people in Africa that are poor."*
**Diaspora Remittances and Private Sector Collaboration**
Alex Dadey, Chairman of KGL Group, lauded the economic contributions of the African diaspora, noting that remittances have become a vital lifeline for many communities.
*"Remittances from the African diaspora are already improving the economic lifeline to many Africans,"* he said, urging greater support for diaspora-led initiatives.
Gwen Mwaba, Managing Director of the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), emphasized the role of policy harmonization in enhancing trade.
*"Governments, the private sector, and society must come together as partners to enhance trade regulations, reduce tariffs, and dismantle non-tariff barriers,"* she urged.
**The Vision for Africa’s Prosperity**
Djamel Ghrib, Director of EDTI at the African Union Commission, delivered a message of hope and collaboration.
*"The future of Africa's prosperity is not a faraway dream; we can achieve it when we come together,"* he said, reinforcing the power of unity.
Dr. Tsotetsi Makong, Director of Coordination and Programmes at the African Union Commission, celebrated the progress of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), revealing that *"As of today, we have 49 member states, out of 54 signatories of the AfCFTA agreement, that have deposited the instruments of ratification."*
**Call for African Investment in Africa**
Antoinette Kwofie, Chief Finance Officer of MTN Ghana, called for strategies to stimulate intra-African investment.
*"We need to create an incentive for Africa to invest in Africa,"* she stated, urging financial leaders to prioritize local development.
**Inclusion and Renewable Energy**
H.E. Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, Vice President of Ghana, emphasized the inclusivity of the dialogues, which encompass voices from diverse sectors, including women and youth.
*"These Dialogues are unique because they bring together voices from diverse sectors—trade, industry, women, youth, and more—ensuring that Africa’s single market agenda is inclusive and representative."*
David Ziyambi from Latham & Watkins LLP expressed frustration over delays in major projects, calling for swift action.
*"It is criminal that we are still talking about the Grand Inga Dam when we have known for years that it can provide power for countries across Africa,"* he remarked, highlighting Africa's untapped potential for renewable energy.
**Global Support and Commitment**
Dr. Fatima ElSheikh, Secretary-General of BADEA, noted international support, mentioning that *"Last year, the Arab Coordination Group committed $50 billion for Africa's sustainable development."*
**Conclusion**
Day 1 of the Africa Prosperity Dialogue 2025 underscored the urgency of addressing infrastructure, fostering trade partnerships, and ensuring inclusive development. With leaders and stakeholders united, the dialogue promises to set the stage for actionable solutions to drive Africa's economic transformation.
The conference will continue tomorrow with breakout sessions and focused discussions on digital innovation, youth entrepreneurship, and climate resilience.
