ADDIS ABABA, October 25, 2026 — Former African leaders have called for urgent progress on continental integration, investment in technology, and the strengthening of African institutions to ensure the continent’s future prosperity. This call was made during a high-level panel at the 12th Tana High-Level Forum on Security in Africa, held in Bahir Dar.
Panelists included former Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn, former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan, and Kaire Mbuende, Director-General of Namibia’s National Planning Commission. They discussed strategies for Africa’s geopolitical and economic transformation.
The leaders emphasized that enhancing continental integration and boosting technological capabilities are crucial for improving economic sovereignty, collective security, and global influence. Hailemariam pointed out that delays in implementing existing continental agreements leave African nations vulnerable to external pressures and proxy conflicts.
“For us, African integration is all about an economic shield,” Hailemariam stated, underscoring that increased economic cooperation is vital for reinforcing the continent’s resilience against external challenges. He argued that political commitments must translate into actionable measures to avoid dependence on foreign influences.
Hailemariam also highlighted Africa’s rich deposits of strategic minerals and energy resources, warning that failure to coordinate resource management could lead to instability. He cited the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo as a case in point.
In addition to economic concerns, Hailemariam criticized the slow implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), advocating for a shift from mere treaty signings to deliverable actions. “There is political will in terms of signing treaties, but there is no political will in terms of delivering them,” he remarked.
Goodluck Jonathan focused on the need for technological sovereignty, arguing that Africa cannot achieve economic independence while relying on foreign technologies and resources. He noted that even minor repairs to infrastructure often require imported parts and expertise, leaving African economies dependent on external support.
“We can’t talk about economic sovereignty without mentioning technological sovereignty,” he said, referencing the models of India and South Korea as examples of how investing in higher education can foster innovation and industrial growth.
Kaire Mbuende reinforced that strong national institutions and effective regional cooperation are critical to Africa’s collective strength. He described economic sovereignty as the ability to control and utilize natural resources for the benefit of African people, linking it to industrialization, poverty reduction, and job creation.
Mbuende reiterated the necessity for renewed efforts to fulfill the objectives of the Abuja Treaty, advocating for reforms in global governance to achieve fairer financing conditions for African nations, especially considering their low default rates amidst high borrowing costs.
The panel concluded that Africa’s economic transformation relies on the effective implementation of existing agreements, enhanced technological investment, and coordinated resource management across the continent.
