Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has warned African governments to act fast to secure a place at the heart of the next global economic transition or face the danger of being left behind in an increasingly competitive world economy.
Delivering a message to African leaders and policymakers recently, Okonjo-Iweala urged governments across the continent to make substantial investments in artificial intelligence (AI), renewable energy, and critical mineral value chains, describing them as key drivers of future economic growth and resilience.
The WTO chief cautioned that, the global economy is undergoing rapid structural changes driven by technological innovation, the energy transition and shifting supply chains.
According to her, countries that fail to adapt to these emerging realities risk marginalisation and slower economic growth.
She stressed that Africa possesses significant advantages, including a youthful population, abundant renewable energy resources and vast deposits of critical minerals essential for modern technologies such as electric vehicles, batteries and advanced electronics.
However, she noted that these resources must be processed and transformed locally to create jobs, boost industrialisation and increase export earnings.
Okonjo-Iweala warned that continued dependence on the export of raw materials would leave African economies vulnerable to external shocks and fluctuations in global commodity prices.
She argued that building domestic value chains and embracing innovation would help the continent capture greater economic benefits from its natural wealth.
The former Nigerian Finance Minister also highlighted the growing importance of artificial intelligence, saying African nations must invest in digital infrastructure, education and skills development to ensure their citizens are prepared for the jobs of the future.
Her warning comes amid rising global economic uncertainties, trade tensions, climate-related disruptions and rapid technological change, factors that are reshaping international commerce and investment patterns.
Observers say the WTO chief’s call reflects increasing concern that Africa could miss out on emerging opportunities in the global green and digital economy unless governments accelerate reforms, strengthen infrastructure and attract investment into strategic sectors.
Okonjo-Iweala maintained that, with the right policies and coordinated action, Africa can transform its vast resources and demographic strengths into sustainable economic growth, positioning the continent as a major player in the next phase of global development
