Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (PANA) - Africa’s era of exporting raw materials and importing value-added goods must end, Mr. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), declared on Friday.
He said with 1.4 billion people, 30% of the world’s critical minerals, and the Africa Continental Free Trade Act (AfCFTA) as a foundation, the continent has the assets to industrialise, integrate, and lead.
He was speaking at a High-Level Dialogue on “The role of the private sector in realizing Africa's Agenda 2063” event on the margins of the 39th Assembly of the AU in Addis Ababa.
Mr. Youssouf said public policy alone was not enough, adding “industrialisation, energy transition, digital innovation, and value chain development require full private sector partnership”.
A press release issued by the AU said he gave the assurance that the AU would strengthen regulatory coherence, reduce non-tariff barriers, and launch a Permanent Presidential Mechanism for strategic dialogue with African business—focused on results.
He concluded by underscoring that “every job is a contribution to peace... every investment is a vote of confidence in Africa’s future”.
-0- PANA MA/RA 14Feb2026
