Former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has called on African countries to foster stronger cooperation and shared economic growth to advance the continent’s development agenda.

Speaking at the launch of the autobiography of former Nigerian Head of State, General Ibrahim Babangida, on Thursday, February 20, in Abuja, Nigeria, he stressed the need for African unity to overcome the underlying economic challenges to achieve prosperity for Africans.

“Africa’s potential is undeniable, yet our progress continues to be hampered by divisions and a lack of collaborative effort,” former President Akufo-Addo stated.

“To fully harness our resources and capabilities, we must prioritize regional integration, trade partnerships, and political stability.”

The former ECOWAS Chair highlighted that unity among African nations would enhance the success of initiatives like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which aims to create a single market for goods and services across the continent noting that intra-African trade remains significantly low compared to other regions, a challenge that must be addressed to spur economic transformation.

“By strengthening our partnerships, harmonizing trade policies, and fostering industrialisation, we can break free from economic dependency and dictate our own development trajectory,” he added.

Nana Akufo-Addo also urged African leaders to embrace a collective approach to security challenges, citing terrorism, insurgency, and political instability as threats to the continent’s progress.

He commended General Babangida for his role in shaping Nigeria’s political and economic landscape, describing him as a statesman whose leadership provided valuable lessons for governance in Africa.

“Our generation of leaders has a responsibility to build on the foundations laid by visionaries like General Babangida. We must work together to craft policies that empower our people and drive sustainable development,” he remarked.

The event, which attracted high-profile political figures, diplomats, and academics, served as a platform for discussions on Africa’s future.

Nana Akufo-Addo’s call for unity and shared growth resonated with many attendees, who agreed that collaboration remains essential in addressing the continent’s economic and governance challenges.

Concluding his address, Akufo-Addo expressed optimism that African nations can overcome their challenges by forging stronger ties and fostering a collective spirit of progress.

"The Africa we seek, one of shared prosperity and dignity will only be realised through deliberate cooperation and an unwavering commitment to our people’s aspirations," he stated.