The League of African Ambassadors (LAA) has called for a renewed push for Africa’s Industrialization.
They warned that the continent must urgently shift from exporting raw materials to producing finished goods if it hopes to eradicate poverty and underdevelopment.
The Lusaka Declaration
Addressing dignitaries during the official launch of the League in Lusaka, the President of the LAA, His Excellency Ambassador Nwannebuike Ominyi, said the continent’s continued dependence on unprocessed natural resources is a major contributor to poverty and underdevelopment across Africa.
In his words,
“One of the greatest challenges facing the African economy is the lack of value addition to our natural resources. This underpins the continent’s poverty and underdevelopment,”.
Stopping the Blaming Game
Ominyi stated that African nations must stop dwelling on the past and begin actively shaping their economic future.
“We have blamed the West for too long; we have lamented the days of our colonisation far enough,” he said, adding, “It is not up to the slave owner to free the slave; it is the duty of the one enslaved to imagine a better future and to then find his objective realities repugnant enough that he happily dies in pursuit of his freedom.”
He declared that the LAA will take up this challenge using the diplomatic strength of its members to mobilise global partnerships and investments.
“We unequivocally assert that it is time to accelerate Africa’s industrialization. We are committed to advocating for this cause globally and partnering with both local and international investors. We stand ready to deploy our diplomatic expertise in every necessary regard.”
Appreciation To Aliko Dangote
Aliko Dangote, owner of a private refinery in Nigeria
As part of the shift toward value addition, Ominyi hailed the milestone achieved by Africa’s richest businessman.
“We salute Alhaji Aliko Dangote, President of Dangote Group, for successfully establishing the largest single refinery in the world in Nigeria, marking a significant achievement for Africa’s energy needs.”
He also acknowledged the contributions of the Nigerian government, saying, “We also extend our gratitude to the Government of Nigeria for creating the enabling environment for this project.”
The LAA President noted that several African countries are already engaging with the refinery for petroleum supply.
He stressed the need to protect locally made products, adding, “Africa must provide made-in-Africa goods the necessary protection and patronage in order to win the commodity war in the global market.”
Ominyi further commended the efforts of other African industrialists who continue to invest locally despite difficult operating conditions.
Appraising Kigali Summit
He also praised the outcome of a major private-sector gathering last year,
“We are thrilled with the recent African Renaissance Retreat held in Kigali from September 6–8, 2024, which brought together top African business leaders to chart a course for the next industrial revolution on the continent.”
African Union Logo
Calling it an initiative capable of driving a “value addition revolution and prosperity in Africa,” he assured that the League stands ready as a partner, saying, “Count us as partners.”
As the League of African Ambassadors begins its mandate from Lusaka, Ominyi affirmed that the mission to strengthen Africa’s economy is only beginning.
