Our Reporter, Abuja
Former Nigerian Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, has called on African leaders to chart a new course for the continent — one rooted in self-determination, innovation, and good governance — rather than dependence on external validation or aid.
Delivering the keynote address at the Democracy Union of Africa (DUA) 2025 Forum in Nairobi, Saraki said Africa’s transformation must begin with leadership that is ethical, strategic, and accountable to its people. The forum, hosted by Kenya’s KANU Party and opened by its Chairman, Gideon Moi, brought together leaders of over 25 centre-right political parties from across Africa to deliberate on the theme, “Africa’s Role in a Changing World: Leadership, Innovation, and Self-Determination.”
The event also saw Saraki honoured with the Akufo-Addo Africa Democracy Award, in recognition of his contributions to deepening democratic governance and institutional reforms in Nigeria and across the continent.
“Africa Must Create, Not Wait for, Opportunity”
In a speech that drew sustained applause, Saraki challenged African policymakers to rethink the continent’s economic and political model in light of shifting global power dynamics.
“This is not a dream to be deferred,” he declared.
“It is a destiny to be defined — not in the boardrooms of Washington, Beijing, or Brussels, but in the imagination, courage, and conviction of Africans themselves.”
He urged African countries to build industrial capacity, strengthen regional trade, and harness the continent’s demographic advantage to become a net exporter of ideas rather than raw materials.
Saraki noted that while Africa’s economies remain largely agrarian, accounting for just 12–15% of GDP, a deliberate push for industrialisation and export-led growth could transform the continent’s economic fortunes.
“No region in the world has prospered by trading less than 15% within its borders,” he said.
“The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) gives us the framework — but it is up to us to make it work through policy alignment, infrastructure, and shared purpose.”
Human Capital, Governance, and Innovation
Saraki also underscored the need to invest in Africa’s people — especially the youth and women — as the continent’s most valuable asset.
With Africa’s population projected to reach 2.5 billion by 2050, he said the continent holds the potential to lead in creativity and problem-solving if it invests in education, innovation ecosystems, and inclusive governance.
He further emphasized that the foundation of progress must rest on ethical leadership and strong institutions.
“Good governance is not just about holding elections,” Saraki said. “It is about building institutions that are transparent, accountable, and responsive to the people’s needs. Without this, every reform — in trade, industry, or education — will falter.”
He called for reforms in Africa’s electoral and judicial systems to promote merit, strengthen accountability, and build public trust, adding that Africa must evolve indigenous democratic models rather than import foreign templates wholesale.
A Call for Unity and Purpose
Envisioning an Africa where manufacturing contributes over 20% of GDP and intra-regional trade rises to 40%, Saraki painted a picture of a self-sufficient continent driven by homegrown innovation and reinvested capital.
“Africa’s story is still being written,” he concluded.
“Let this be the chapter where we ask not what the world can do for Africa, but what Africa can do for the world.”
He thanked the DUA and its partners for hosting what he described as a “timely and purposeful convening,” and commended the growing collaboration among Africa’s democratic and centre-right movements.
The DUA 2025 Forum, attended by delegates from across Africa and representatives of the International Democracy Union, closed with a renewed commitment to advancing democratic governance, private sector growth, and African-led development across the continent.
