By: Daniel Yao Akpabli | ignewss – Ghana
President John Dramani Mahama has called for a shift in Africa’s economic relations with international partners, urging greater investment in local industries, technology and trade to reduce the continent’s dependence on foreign aid and raw material exports.
Speaking at a high-level roundtable during the third Russia–Africa Summit in Moscow, President Mahama said Africa needed partnerships that deliver lasting economic benefits rather than relationships built primarily around the extraction of its natural resources.
He said African leaders must address structural and administrative barriers that prevent political goodwill from translating into sustainable commercial partnerships.
“Africa is a continent of the future. Immense opportunities abound for mutual investment between African and Russian enterprises—particularly in agriculture, agro-processing, healthcare, energy security, and digital services,” he said.
President Mahama also called for improved access to the Russian market for African products, arguing that stronger trade relations would require practical measures to address existing imbalances.
He proposed the use of local currencies and integrated digital payment systems to simplify transactions between African and Russian businesses and reduce barriers to bilateral trade.
According to him, better access to market information, consistent quality standards, reliable transport and logistics systems, and closer cooperation between private-sector operators would help make trade more balanced and beneficial to both sides.
The President acknowledged Russia’s historical support for African countries during their struggles against colonialism and in the early years of independence.
He said the political ties established during that period should now provide a foundation for cooperation in technology, industrial development and economic transformation.
“You stood by Africa during the struggle against colonialism and extended critical support to our newly independent nations. Today, we are prepared to leverage Russia’s expertise in technology-driven initiatives to accelerate modern industrialisation, growth, and prosperity across our continent,” he said.
President Mahama’s participation in the summit forms part of Ghana’s broader efforts to diversify its international trade relationships, attract strategic investment and strengthen economic cooperation with partners beyond its traditional markets.
The engagement also aligns with the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which seeks to expand intra-African trade, strengthen regional value chains and support the development of competitive industries across the continent.
The call for stronger Africa–Russia economic cooperation comes amid wider discussions about how African countries can secure greater value from their natural resources, expand local production and create jobs through investment in processing and manufacturing.
SOURCE: www.ignewss.com | Presidency