President John Dramani Mahama has urged African leaders to undertake bold reforms to make the continent a more attractive investment hub, stressing th
President John Dramani Mahama has urged African leaders to undertake bold reforms to make the continent a more attractive investment hub, stressing that global trade and capital flows will not automatically favor Africa without deliberate policy changes.
Speaking in Yokohama, Japan, on Thursday, August 21, 2025, the Ghanaian leader co-chaired the second plenary session of the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD IX) alongside former Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.
The session was themed “Economy: Co-create Innovative Solutions with Africa.”
The high-level meeting brought together key African and global leaders, including Kenyan President William Ruto, Togolese President Faure Gnassingbé, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Comoros President Azali Assoumani, and UN Under-Secretary-General Cristina Duarte, all of whom delivered interventions on Africa’s economic trajectory.
Mahama’s Warning on Shifting Global Trade Dynamics
In his closing remarks, President Mahama reflected on what he described as “rapid shifts in the global order,” pointing out that even the world’s largest economies have become more insular and transactional in their dealings.
This, he argued, presents a challenge for Africa, which has often relied on external markets for trade and investment.
“The world’s largest economy, which should be the driver of global trade and investments, has become more insular and transactional in its relationship with the rest of the world,” Mahama observed.
Against this backdrop, he emphasized that Africa must prepare itself through reforms if it is to remain competitive in attracting global capital.
Africa Must Reform To Compete
John Mahama was blunt in his assessment, telling African leaders that trade and investment will not flow into the continent simply because leaders wish for it.
“Africa is open for business. We wish to partner with any nation in the world on a win-win basis. But let’s not kid ourselves! Trade and investments will not come to Africa because we wish for it,” he declared.
He outlined three critical reforms:
1. Peace and Security – “That is why we must silence the guns and stop the fighting,” Mahama said, underscoring the destabilizing effect of conflicts across parts of the continent.
2. Economic Stability – “We must reform our economies and make them more stable and predictable,” he added, noting that investors look for macroeconomic certainty before committing resources.
3. Good Governance – Mahama also stressed the need to root out corruption and ensure public service accountability: “This is why we must reform our governance and make public service accountable and corruption-free.”
The TICAD Platform
The Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD), first launched in 1993 by the Japanese government, has become one of the most important multilateral platforms for advancing African development priorities through partnerships with Japan, the United Nations, the World Bank, and the African Union.
Over the years, TICAD has focused on themes such as human security, private sector investment, technology transfer, and industrialization.
The ninth edition, currently underway in Yokohama, is particularly focused on innovation, trade, and sustainable growth amid global economic uncertainty.
Japan has historically been one of Africa’s most consistent partners in infrastructure development, healthcare, and capacity-building.
However, in recent years, competition for influence in Africa has intensified, particularly from China, the United States, and the European Union. Analysts say Mahama’s intervention highlights Africa’s urgency to position itself strategically in this competitive global environment.
Ghana’s Own Experience
President Joh Mahama’s call for reforms also reflects Ghana’s domestic experience.
The country has in recent years battled with high debt, currency depreciation, and structural weaknesses in its economy.
Although Ghana has implemented reforms under various administrations, including IMF-supported programs, corruption and governance challenges remain a concern for investors.
By linking Africa’s future prosperity to governance and economic reforms, Mahama is believed to be signaling both to international partners and to his fellow African leaders that investment confidence is tied to policy credibility and political stability.
COMMENTS