The Municipal Chief Executive of the Korle Klottey Municipal Assembly, (KoKMA) Hon. Alfred Allotey-Gaisie, has urged the international community to view Africa as the next frontier for industrial and technological investment.
Speaking on the second day of the World Forum “New Era – New Ways”, under the session “New Horizon of Cooperation in Industrial and Technological Development,” Hon. Allotey-Gaisie made a passionate appeal to investors—particularly those engaged in Eurasian cooperation—to seize Africa’s unique opportunities in the rapidly evolving global economy.
Africa’s Strategic Position
In his presentation, titled “Africa’s Industrial and Technology-Driven Transformation in a New Era,” the Municipal Chief Executive highlighted the continent’s potential as a center of innovation, talent, and sustainable growth. He stressed that Africa is not defined by its challenges but by its transformative opportunities.
Among these opportunities are Africa’s youthful population, the youngest in the world, which provides an energetic workforce and a base for creative innovation. He also pointed to the continent’s expanding urban markets, which make Africa one of the fastest-growing consumer and industrial destinations, and its ongoing reforms and partnerships that align with global goals for green growth, sustainability, and digital transformation.
“The future and the market are in Africa,” Hon. Allotey-Gaisie declared. “Our partnerships must be based on shared investment and trust. Technology transfer should not be charity but a mutually beneficial path to prosperity.”
Four Pillars of Transformation
Outlining Africa’s roadmap for industrial and technological progress, Hon. Allotey-Gaisie identified four pillars of transformation.
The first is technology transfer and industrial innovation, where strategic partnerships are blending global expertise with local strengths. Africa–China collaborations in clean energy and manufacturing, alongside the continent’s Green Industrialisation Initiatives and the development of modern industrial parks, are transforming Africa into a hub for innovation and sustainable growth.
The second pillar is cross-border cooperation, anchored by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). He explained that AfCFTA is more than a trade agreement—it is a platform for innovation, digital trade, and the building of strong regional value chains that allow African countries to trade not only goods but also knowledge, skills, and technology.
The third pillar is capacity building and skills development. With support from UNESCO and international partners, Africa is establishing centres of excellence to train engineers, innovators, and industry leaders. By equipping its youthful workforce with green economy skills, the continent is preparing to meet both climate challenges and rising productivity demands.
The fourth pillar is policy support for competitiveness, where governments are creating environments that foster innovation, entrepreneurship, and investor confidence. These policies, Hon. Allotey-Gaisie emphasized, are ensuring that Africa becomes a destination of choice for long-term industrial and technological partnerships.
Concluding his address, Hon. Alfred Allotey-Gaisie emphasized that Africa’s rise is closely linked to the future of global development. He stated that the continent’s growth will be driven by the convergence of technology, talent, and trade, offering sustainable and competitive opportunities for investors.
The session brought together policymakers, industry leaders, and international experts, who reaffirmed Africa’s position as a strategic partner in shaping the next era of industrial and technological advancement.
