JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA — Former President of the African Development Bank (AfDB) Group, Dr Akinwumi Adesina, has called on African countries to develop their own technologies and build globally competitive industries to accelerate economic transformation.
Adesina made the call while delivering a keynote address titled “Africa’s Next Leap: Visionary and Ethical Leadership for an Integrated and Prosperous Africa in the Global Economy” at the BPI Iconic Awards in Johannesburg, South Africa.
He argued that Africa must move beyond adopting technologies developed elsewhere and become a producer of innovations capable of competing in international markets.
“Africa must not simply adopt the technologies of the future; we must help build them,” Adesina said, according to reports of his address published on Sunday.
AI, Robotics And Semiconductors Identified
Adesina identified artificial intelligence, semiconductors, robotics, data science and cybersecurity as important areas for investment.
He said African countries needed stronger universities, research laboratories, advanced computing infrastructure and industrial ecosystems to enable scientists, engineers and entrepreneurs to develop locally created technologies.
According to him, building these capabilities would help African economies participate more effectively in emerging industries rather than remain dependent on imported technology.
The former AfDB chief also stressed the importance of developing intellectual property and supporting homegrown innovation that could create economic value within the continent.
Africa Must Move Beyond Raw Materials
Adesina called for a shift from dependence on exporting raw materials towards processing resources locally and manufacturing finished products.
Africa possesses significant natural resources, a large youthful population and expanding markets. However, converting these advantages into sustainable prosperity requires investment in productive industries, skills and technology.
Industrialisation, he argued, would help countries create jobs, expand their manufacturing capacity and strengthen their positions in global markets.
Developing competitive industries could also allow African countries to retain more value from their natural resources instead of exporting them with limited processing.
Stronger Universities And Research Needed
The former AfDB president emphasised that technological progress would require sustained investment in education, scientific research and technical skills.
He called for stronger links between universities, research institutions, entrepreneurs and industries so that discoveries could be converted into commercially viable products and services.
Access to reliable electricity, digital infrastructure and advanced computing facilities would also be important to supporting innovation.
These investments could help African researchers and businesses participate in emerging sectors while creating opportunities for young people with technical and scientific skills.
Leadership And Continental Integration
Adesina also linked Africa’s economic transformation to visionary and ethical leadership, describing industrial capacity, technological innovation and deeper continental integration as essential elements of long-term development.
Stronger regional cooperation could expand markets for African manufacturers, encourage investment and support businesses seeking to operate across national borders.
His message comes as African governments face pressure to create employment opportunities for growing populations, diversify their economies and improve their competitiveness in a rapidly changing global economy.
Adesina’s call places technological development and industrialisation at the centre of Africa’s long-term growth prospects, with an emphasis on building the expertise and infrastructure needed to create rather than merely consume the technologies shaping the future.
