Africa Must Rise Through Ownership, Strategic Partnerships — Kouyateh
Ambassador-at-Large for Special Duties and Special Presidential Envoy of the Republic of Liberia, Sheikh Al-Moustapha Kouyateh, has called for a bold rethinking of Africa’s economic model, urging leaders across the continent to embrace ownership, responsibility, and industrial transformation.
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“Africa must rise,” Kouyateh declared. “We must take ownership of our destiny and become responsible citizens and leaders. Our future cannot be outsourced.”
The Ambassador criticized the long-standing concession system in many African countries, describing it as a structure that often mirrors colonial-era economic patterns. According to him, agreements that allow the export of raw materials without meaningful local value addition undermine long-term prosperity.
“Concessions, as currently structured in many cases, are akin to colonialism,” he stated. “We cannot continue praying for prosperity while embracing poverty as our way of life.”
Kouyateh posed a critical question to policymakers across the continent: What would happen if African nations renegotiated every major concession into strategic partnerships that guarantee at least 30 to 50 percent equity participation for the state and local stakeholders?
He argued that prioritizing local production and the industrialization of natural resources would create jobs, build technical capacity, and retain wealth within African economies.
“Africa must move from exporting raw materials to exporting finished products,” he emphasized. “Industrialization is not optional; it is essential for sovereignty and sustainable development.”
The Ambassador concluded by urging African governments to pursue bold reforms that transform concession agreements into balanced partnerships rooted in mutual benefit, national dignity, and economic independence.
Africa Must Rise Through Ownership, Strategic Partnerships — Kouyateh