Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has urged African governments to adopt bold economic reforms and make strategic investments in emerging sectors to accelerate growth and strengthen the continent’s resilience.

Speaking at the 7th Africa Emerging Markets Forum, Okonjo-Iweala called on policymakers, investors and business leaders to prioritise investments in artificial intelligence (AI), renewable energy and critical mineral value chains as part of efforts to build more competitive and sustainable economies.

She said African countries must move beyond their long-standing dependence on exporting raw materials, stressing that greater value can be created through technology, industrialisation, manufacturing and innovation.

According to the WTO chief, expanding investments in these sectors would help African economies withstand external economic shocks while creating new opportunities for long-term development and prosperity.

Okonjo-Iweala acknowledged that many African economies have recorded gradual recovery following the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, inflationary pressures, supply chain challenges and geopolitical tensions.

However, she warned that the pace of economic growth across the continent remains insufficient to generate the employment opportunities, industrial expansion and inclusive prosperity required to meet the needs of Africa’s rapidly growing population.

She therefore urged governments to pursue policies that encourage innovation, strengthen value addition and position African economies for sustained growth in an increasingly technology-driven global economy.