President John Dramani Mahama has urged global partners to ensure that future alliances with Africa focus on adding value to the continent’s abundant natural resources, rather than exploiting them.
Speaking at the World Governments Summit 2026 in Riyadh on the theme “The Future of Global Alliances”, Mahama said, “New alliances with Africa must aim at adding value to Africa’s natural resources. They must aim at granting Africa greater sovereignty and control of its natural resources.”
He cited Ghana’s recent success with the Goldbod initiative, which has generated more than $10 billion in under a year, as an example of how local value addition can strengthen economies and create opportunities for the continent.
“Our medium to long term goal is to process and add value to our mineral ores and agricultural products; gold, manganese, bauxite, lithium, petroleum, cocoa, oil palm, cashew, fruits, soya, cassava and other raw materials,” he added.
Mahama stressed that Africa’s rising influence, young population, and expanding market present opportunities for mutually beneficial partnerships.
“Africa welcomes global partners not merely to trade with, but to transform with through investments that builds industries, strengthens supply chains, and creates shared opportunity,” he said.
The President called on global leaders to ensure that investments in Africa are structured to empower nations, create jobs, and promote long-term development, emphasizing that alliances must respect the continent’s sovereignty while contributing to sustainable growth.
