Ghanaian statesman and businessman Sir Sam Jonah says Africa must abandon economic deference and aggressively pursue its own interests.

He explained that this move is key if the continent is to survive a rapidly collapsing global order.

Delivering the keynote address at the Africa Trade Summit 2026, Sir Sam said the era of a predictable, rules-based global system is effectively over, leaving Africa dangerously exposed if it fails to act decisively.

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Citing recent warnings from global leaders, he argued that economic power is now being weaponised through tariffs, supply chains, and trade restrictions, with Africa often absorbing the fallout despite contributing least to global instability.

“This is the moment for Africa to be selfish, unapologetically, boldly selfish, in pursuing our interests,” Sir Sam declared.

He urged leaders to prioritise local value creation, fair trade terms, and continental unity over external approval.

He stressed that selfishness, in this context, must translate into job creation, industrial growth, and wealth retention within Africa rather than continued raw material exports.