UN Deputy Scribe, Oramah, Oyedele, Others Say Africa Must Own Its Narrative

African leaders have urged younger generations to assume greater control over the continent's economic and political destiny by constructing institutions, businesses and productive capacity capable of competing globally. This call was made during the closing of the 2026 Aliko Dangote Foundation Africa Diaspora Leadership Programme Young Global Leaders Convening in Lagos.

The leaders highlighted that Africa must transcend its portrayal as a region plagued by challenges and resource exploitation, instead becoming a producer of globally competitive enterprises and technologies.

The distinguished panel of speakers included Amina Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations; Benedict Oramah, former President and Board Chairman of Afreximbank; and Taiwo Oyedele, Nigeria's Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy. Other participants were Hannatu Musawa, Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy; and Jean Guy Afrika, CEO of the Rwanda Development Board.

Mohammed emphasized that Africa's struggle for influence is increasingly a contest over power, institutions, and who defines the continent's narrative. She urged Africans to move beyond seeking representation at global decision-making tables and demand the power to shape decisions. Mohammed pointed out that African countries together form the largest regional grouping within the United Nations, yet often approach international affairs as passive recipients rather than proactive power brokers.

She stressed the need for African leaders to fortify institutions, enhance strategic coordination, and acknowledge the continent's collective economic and political clout.

Oramah contrasted the Dangote Petroleum Refinery with an industrial project, emphasizing its psychological impact by demonstrating Africa's ability to undertake complex global-scale projects. He argued that the refinery is helping to dispel the notion of Africa's incapacity to undertake world-scale industrial ventures. Oramah cautioned that Africa cannot rely on isolated success stories and must systematically build productive capacity, stressing the importance of manufacturing, production, and taking control of financial resources.

Nigeria's Minister of Finance, Oyedele, highlighted the responsibility of governments to create an environment that enables entrepreneurs to build businesses on a Dangote-scale. He praised Dangote for his perseverance and attributed his positive transformation to a supportive environment. Oyedele underscored that economic reforms must yield tangible improvements felt by citizens, warning that Africa continues to suffer from negative perceptions that negatively impact opportunities on the continent.

Musawa advocated for strengthening Africa's creative economy, which she termed an essential source of jobs, economic value, and global influence. She urged Africans to envision and build for future generations, emphasizing that the challenge goes beyond replicating individuals like Dangote to creating systems that allow businesses and investors to succeed without relying on exceptional individuals.