The President of Harakatti Munugano (Union Movement) Mr Kwame Danquah, has called for sweeping reforms and deeper integration across Sub-Saharan Africa, arguing that the continent must unite politically and economically to overcome poverty, boost industrialisation and strengthen its position in the global economy.
Addressing delegates at the Harakatiza Muungano (Union Movement) conference held in Accra, the President said the gathering was aimed at renewing the commitment of patriotic Africans to reform, integrate and develop the continent for present and future generations.
He described Harakatiza Muungano as a movement of Africans committed to dismantling colonial-era barriers by promoting regional integration, eliminating trade restrictions and fostering seamless political and economic cooperation across Sub-Saharan Africa.
According to the President, greater integration is essential to reducing the continent’s vulnerability to global economic shocks and geopolitical disruptions.
Citing the World Bank’s 2023 report, he noted that Africa’s combined Gross Domestic Product (GDP) stood at approximately US$3 trillion, representing only a small fraction of the global economy, while the continent accounts for just 3 per cent of global trade.
He also referenced African Union data showing that intra-African trade stands at around 15 per cent, compared with approximately 60 per cent in Europe and 40 per cent in Asia.
The President attributed Africa’s economic vulnerability to its dependence on exporting primary commodities and its heavy reliance on trade with markets outside the continent.
He warned that ”unless African countries undertake bold structural reforms and accelerate industrialisation, they will remain exposed to external economic shocks and protectionist trade policies”.
Touching on Africa’s demographic trends, the President said the continent’s population is projected to reach 2.5 billion by 2050, with Sub-Saharan Africa accounting for much of the growth and more than 60 per cent of its population under the age of 30.
He said the rapidly growing youth population presents both opportunities and challenges, stressing that Africa could either reap a demographic dividend through investment in education, skills development and industrialisation or face increasing poverty, instability and unemployment if reforms are delayed.
The President called for significant investment in education, technology and infrastructure to equip young Africans with the skills needed to drive innovation, productivity and economic transformation.
He further argued that deeper regional integration would create a larger pool of skilled labour and expand markets for African businesses, accelerating industrialisation and creating sustainable employment opportunities.
Expressing concern over the increasing number of African youth risking dangerous migration routes in search of better opportunities abroad, he described the situation as a pressing challenge that requires urgent action.
“It is time to fix African economies through integration and reforms,” he said.
The President also highlighted the difficulties faced by African businesses operating across the continent, noting that entrepreneurs such as Nigerian industrialist Aliko Dangote must navigate multiple visa requirements, dozens of currencies and fragmented communication systems to conduct business.
To strengthen social protection and mobilise long-term investment capital, he proposed the creation of an integrated African social security framework through a “Social Security Penta-Fund.”
He explained that the proposed fund would include a mortgage finance scheme, medical insurance fund, education trust fund, social savings and investment scheme, and a provident and pensions fund to support both formal and informal sector workers.
According to him, such a framework would provide sustainable financing for social protection while generating long-term capital for governments, industries and infrastructure development.
The President said an integrated African market would attract greater domestic and foreign investment, enable businesses to benefit from economies of scale, promote economic diversification and enhance the competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises.
He urged participants to leave the conference committed to advancing the vision of a politically united and economically integrated Sub-Saharan Africa.
“Let us leave this conference motivated to spread the message to build a politically united and economically integrated sub-region which posterity will inherit as a land of prosperity, security and peaceful development,” he said.
