Africa Must Rethink Production and Capital to Drive Industrial Jobs – Africa Trade Chamber Chair
Story by Eugene Nyarko Jnr. | Accra | Wednesday, January 28, 2026
African economies must urgently reorganize how production and capital are structured if the continent is to create sustainable industrial jobs and globally competitive businesses, the Executive Chair of the Africa Trade Chamber, Ms. Benedicta Lasi, has said.
Speaking at the launch of Africa Trade Summit 2026 on economic development at the Kempinski Gold Coast City Hotel in Accra on Wednesday, Ms. Lasi noted that Africa continues to grapple with deep-seated structural challenges, including weak industrial growth, excessive dependence on imports, and policy frameworks that have failed to nurture strong and sustainable local value chains.
She said these shortcomings have limited industrial expansion across the continent and increased Africa’s exposure to external economic shocks.
Ms. Lasi explained that the Africa Trade Chamber was established to help address these challenges by promoting local production, strengthening domestic industries, and reducing reliance on foreign goods. She said the Chamber is committed to supporting Africa’s shift from fragmented national markets to integrated production systems that enable countries to move beyond the export of raw materials into value-added industrial manufacturing.
According to her, industrialization is a demanding and complex process that requires close coordination among multiple government ministries and agencies. She identified reliable electricity supply, efficient transport infrastructure, and coherent fiscal and industrial policies as critical foundations for building a sustainable industrial base.
Ms. Lasi also underscored the importance of the private sector in Africa’s industrial transformation, urging businesses to invest in skills development, sound governance structures, and efficient management systems. She stressed that transparency and credibility are essential for attracting long-term financing and investor confidence.
She concluded that only through strong institutions, coordinated policymaking, and credible private-sector leadership can Africa build a resilient, competitive, and sustainable industrial economy.
