Innovative leadership key to overcome Africa’s ‘structural economic weaknesses’ – Mahama

Ex-Ghanaian leader John Mahama has challenged Africa to adopt innovative leadership to confront its fragile economy, which has further been exposed by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Africa, like any other continent, is battling the Covid-19 pandemic which has infected and killed thousands and slowed down its economy.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), there are 100,000 confirmed cases of Coronavirus in Africa with 31,000 confirmed deaths on the vast continent.

But in a Facebook message to mark this year’s Africa Union Day, Mr Mahama said the time has come for Africa to invest in the young people to realise its dreams in the wake of the challenges.

“COVID-19 has exposed the structural weaknesses of our economic paradigm as exporters of primary goods and importers of finished products,” Mr Mahama said.

“But with innovative leadership and a belief in especially our enterprising and dynamic young people, we can and we should turn the wheels of the African Economy back on track.”

He also reminded African governments and its people to dedicate “ourselves as a people and governments towards realising the objectives of #Agenda2063 and building #TheAfricaWeWant.”

Below is the full text*

Nine years ago, I joined my colleague Heads of State in Addis Ababa to celebrate the 50th anniversary of our Continental Union, the African Union.

We adopted #Agenda2063 as our blueprint for transforming our continent into a future significant global partner.

Today across our continent, as we celebrate #AfricaDay, we must dedicate ourselves as a people and governments towards realising the objectives of #Agenda2063 and building #TheAfricaWeWant.

COVID-19 has exposed the structural weaknesses of our economic paradigm as exporters of primary goods and importers of finished products.

But with innovative leadership and a belief in especially our enterprising and dynamic young people, we can and we should turn the wheels of the African Economy back on track.

Happy AU Day.