The Africa Prosperity Network (APN) in collaboration with the African American Institute (AAI), has launched the Global Africa Network, as a platform to galvanize Global African (African Diaspora) with access to funds to channel their investment portfolios into Africa.
The Network was launched at the maiden Global Africa Forum convened on the margins of the 78th UN General Assembly in New York. The theme for the forum was “Mobilising Global Africa Investments to Boost Intra-African Trade”
The forum was held on the 21st of September and was attended by several African policy and business leaders as well as leading Global Africans.
Leaders at the forum used the platform to invite Global Africans to be intentional about being part of the development of Africa.
In his address, President Akufo-Addo said it is time for Africans to spend their money in Africa to make the continent the wealthy place it ought to be. He thus extended an invitation to Africa living in the diaspora (Global Africans) to turn their investment sets to the continent, noting that with the coming into being of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the stage is set for the continent to attract their investments for its industrial development and transformation.
“Like the vision of our forebears, the AfCFTA sets the stage for Africa’s industrialization and transformation. What is required now is for our respective governments and businesses to show bold leadership. We need coherent and complimentary strategic actions by governments and businesses.
“The right mix of policies and strategies for exports, value addition to raw commodities and a greater sense of purpose to ensure a robust intra-Africa trade, to drive agricultural growth, economic diversification and the much-needed industrialization of the continent,” President Akufo-Addo said.
“As the saying goes, nothing succeeds as much as success. If we work at it, if we stop being beggars and spend Africa’s money inside the continent, Africa would not have to ask for respect from anyone, we will get the respect we deserve.
“Twenty years ago, thirty years ago, China was not where it is today. China does not ask anyone for respect today, she does not need to. Let us make our continent the joyful and prosperous place it should be and the respect will follow” Akufo-Addo added.
