Okonjo-Iweala Africa aid dependence message at ABU urges shift to investment, trade and clean energy to drive jobs and growth

The Director-General of the World Trade Organisation, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, urged African countries to abandon aid dependence and reposition the continent as a prime destination for global investment, trade and industrial growth during a lecture at Ahmadu Bello University.

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Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala delivered the pre convocation lecture titled “Challenges and Opportunities for Africa and Nigeria in the Present Global Geopolitical and Geostrategic Context” before academics, policymakers, students and guests at the university in Zaria.

Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala said Africa must no longer approach the world as a supplicant for a shrinking pool of aid but as a region with vast opportunities, youthful talent and markets capable of strengthening global economic resilience.

The WTO chief argued that current geopolitical and economic disruptions have exposed the risks of over reliance on a few countries for critical supplies and market access, prompting businesses worldwide to diversify supply chains and sourcing.

Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala described the shift as an opening for Africa to benefit from what she called re globalisation, particularly by attracting investments in labour intensive manufacturing, critical minerals, pharmaceuticals, renewable energy and agro processing.

Citing renewable energy as a practical example, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala noted that while imports of solar and wind technology have reduced energy costs in many African countries, the continent should prioritise local manufacturing to create jobs for its growing youth population.

Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala said Africa holds about 60 per cent of global solar potential yet attracts only two per cent of worldwide solar investment, urging governments to improve the investment climate to draw foreign manufacturers to the continent.

She described Africa’s youthful population as the world’s future talent pool, noting projections that the continent will account for about a quarter of the global working age population by 2050 if properly harnessed.

Beyond demographics, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala highlighted Africa’s arable land and mineral wealth, referencing estimates that the continent holds nearly 30 per cent of the world’s known mineral reserves critical to the energy transition.

Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala said harnessing clean energy to power regional mineral processing and supply chains could deliver jobs, growth and environmental benefits simultaneously.

The WTO Director-General cautioned that Africa had missed similar opportunities in the past and urged leaders and citizens to act decisively to avoid repeating such mistakes.

Also read: Okonjo-Iweala Urges Nigeria to Target Global Supply Chains

Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala also called on young Africans to demand accountable leadership, stressing that present choices would determine whether the continent becomes a major force in the global economy or remains at its margins.