President John Dramani Mahama has told world leaders that the future of global progress and development depends on Africa.

Speaking at the 80th United Nations General Assembly in New York on September 25, 2025, Mahama drew attention to projections by the UN that place Africa at the heart of demographic and economic shifts in the coming decades.

According to him, by 2050, more than a quarter of the world’s population will come from Africa.

He noted that one-third of all young people between the ages of 15 and 24 will be living on the continent.

Mahama argued that these figures are not just statistics but a signal of where the world’s energy, innovation, and future workforce will be concentrated.

LIVESTREAMED: President Mahama addresses UN General Assembly

He also stated that Africa’s role goes beyond demographics, describing the continent as a driver of economic reform, ecological stability, and human potential.

He also challenged the global community to confront its biases about Africa.

He said that many continue to underestimate the continent because they still view it through the lens of racism, colonialism, and imperialism.

“According to this organisation’s own projections, by the year 2050, more than 25% of the world’s population is expected to come from the African continent. Additionally, by 2050, one-third of all young people, aged 15 to 24, will be residing on the African continent. So, you see, the future is African. Allow me to say this once again, a little louder for the people in the back; the future is African!

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“Already today, Africa is a catalyst for human potential and development, as well as for economic reform and ecological stability. Africa is a catalyst for systemic change. If this reality, which is fact-based and straightforward, seems provocative or unsettling, perhaps it’s because you’re viewing it through the lens of centuries of racism, colonialism, imperialism, and the resulting implicit bias.

“Maybe you’re unaware of the resilience of African nations or their remarkable ability to make a strong comeback, just when you think it’s safe to discount them," Mahama stated.

JHM/AE

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