The President of Harakatiza Muungano (Union Movement), a pan-African movement that advocates political and economic unity across Sub-Saharan Africa, Kwame Danquah, has called for sweeping reforms and deeper regional integration to help the continent overcome poverty, accelerate industrialisation and strengthen its position in the global economy.
Addressing delegates at the Harakatiza Muungano conference in Accra, Mr Danquah said the gathering was intended to renew the commitment of patriotic Africans to reform, integrate and develop the continent for present and future generations.
He explained that the movement sought to dismantle colonial-era barriers by promoting regional integration, removing trade restrictions and fostering seamless political and economic cooperation across Sub-Saharan Africa.
Economic transformation
Mr Danquah said greater integration was essential to reducing Africa's vulnerability to global economic shocks and geopolitical disruptions.
Citing the World Bank's 2023 report, he said Africa's combined Gross Domestic Product (GDP) stood at about US$3 trillion, representing only a small share of the global economy, while the continent accounted for just three per cent of global trade.
He also referred to African Union data showing that intra-African trade stood at about 15 per cent, compared with approximately 60 per cent in Europe and 40 per cent in Asia.
He attributed the continent's economic vulnerability to its dependence on primary commodity exports and trade with markets outside Africa, warning that unless African countries undertook bold structural reforms and accelerated industrialisation, they would remain exposed to external economic shocks and protectionist trade policies.
Youth development
Mr Danquah said Africa's population was projected to reach 2.5 billion by 2050, with Sub-Saharan Africa accounting for much of the growth and more than 60 per cent of its population below the age of 30.
He said the growing youth population presented both opportunities and challenges, stressing the need for increased investment in education, technology and infrastructure to equip young people with the skills required to drive innovation, productivity and economic transformation.
He added that deeper regional integration would expand markets, create a larger pool of skilled labour and generate sustainable employment opportunities.
Expressing concern over the increasing number of African youth embarking on dangerous migration routes in search of better opportunities abroad, he said, "It is time to fix African economies through integration and reforms."
Social security framework
Mr Danquah proposed the establishment of an integrated African social security framework through a Social Security Penta-Fund comprising a mortgage finance scheme, medical insurance fund, education trust fund, social savings and investment scheme, and a provident and pensions fund.
He said the framework would strengthen social protection, mobilise long-term investment capital for infrastructure and industrial development, while an integrated African market would attract investment, promote economic diversification and improve the competitiveness of businesses.
He urged participants to leave the conference committed to advancing the vision of a politically united and economically integrated Sub-Saharan Africa.
