Mahama: Africa’s Future Built by Choice, Not Chance
President of the Republic of Ghana, H.E. John Dramani Mahama, has emphasized that Africa’s economic and political future will not be delivered by chance, but by deliberate choice, partnership, and action. Speaking at the Ghana-Zambia Business Dialogue in Lusaka, he praised the strengthened ties between the two nations as a model for continental cooperation.
“This state visit has not been your usual ceremonial champagne drinking… we must go beyond just the normal permanent joint commission discussions and enhance the relations between Ghana and Zambia to the level of an enhanced economic development partnership,” President Mahama said.
He highlighted that the dialogue, which brought together private sector leaders, government officials, and investors, is a strategic platform to convert political goodwill into tangible economic outcomes. “At a time when global trade is increasingly fragmented and protectionist tendencies are on the rise, Africa must turn inward with purpose,” Mahama stated.
The President emphasized the value of comparative advantages and knowledge-sharing. “Ghana has moved quite fast in FinTech… and Zambia is far ahead of us in terms of reforms in the energy sector,” he said, citing opportunities for collaboration in digital technology, renewable energy, agriculture, and trade.
President Mahama also outlined Ghana’s economic progress, noting, “Through decisive reforms, fiscal discipline, and bold policy choices, Ghana has stabilized its economy and restored confidence… investor sentiments have rebounded, and we’re on track to successfully conclude our IMF program by April 2026.”
Highlighting sectoral opportunities for collaboration, he said, “In agriculture and agro-processing, Zambia’s experience in large-scale farming and seed production offers valuable lessons for Ghana. The digital economy represents perhaps the most exciting frontier, from fintech and cybersecurity to smart healthcare systems.”
President Mahama underscored the role of the private sector in translating diplomatic goodwill into concrete development. “Government will provide the enabling environment, but it is the private sector that must build the factories, take the risks, and create the jobs. To the business leaders gathered here today, this is your moment,” he said.
The dialogue also marked historic agreements, including visa waivers and bilateral air services between Ghana and Zambia, aimed at enhancing trade, investment, and people-to-people connections.
President Mahama said, “The future of Ghana-Zambia relations, and indeed Africa’s future, must be written in the language of trade, investment, innovation, and shared prosperity… let this business dialogue mark the beginning of a new chapter, one defined by action, ambition, and resource.”
