President John Dramani Mahama has warned that African countries risk stagnation and missed development opportunities if continental unity remains rhetorical rather than action-oriented.

Addressing the Zambian Parliament on Thursday, February 5, the President stressed that regional cooperation is critical to accelerating economic growth and strengthening Africa’s collective bargaining power on the global stage.

He called for the establishment of regional prosperity platforms, including shared manufacturing zones, integrated energy grids and strong digital infrastructure, describing them as essential foundations for sustainable and inclusive development across the continent.

“We must negotiate with one voice on minerals, trade and climate finance. Unity must be our strategy, not just our slogan,” President Mahama stated.

In his capacity as African Union Champion for African financial institutions, President Mahama also advocated the repatriation and strategic investment of a portion of Africa’s foreign reserves currently held in Western financial systems.

He argued that these reserves often yield minimal returns due to inherited colonial financial arrangements, adding that redirecting even a fraction could unlock significant development financing.

“Most of these foreign reserves, by colonial construct, generate little or no interest. If 30 per cent were repatriated and invested in our own financial institutions, it would create an immense pool of wealth to drive rapid infrastructural expansion and economic growth,” he said.