Industrialisation is Africa’s shield in a hostile global economy

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Africa’s long-term survival depends on urgent and deep industrialisation, not commodity-driven growth, according to Sir Sam Jonah.

Addressing political leaders, financiers, and industry players at the Africa Trade Summit 2026, Sir Sam warned that economic growth without industrial depth leaves African economies vulnerable to external shocks and global power struggles.

Read also: Africa must be ‘unapologetically selfish’ as global order fractures – Sam Jonah

“For too long, we have expanded economies without transformation,” he said, noting that reliance on raw exports exposes Africa to price volatility, trade coercion, and debt accumulation.

He described industrialisation as Africa’s “shield and sword,” capable of anchoring resilience by ensuring local value addition, skills development, and technological mastery.

Without it, he cautioned, Africa risks remaining a supplier of raw materials to stronger economies that capture the real value further up global supply chains.

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Africa

Sam Jonah