Ghana's Vice President, Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, urged Africa to position itself as a leader in emerging economic sectors. She highlighted areas such as artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, energy transition, and data sovereignty. This call came during her keynote address at the 16th Oxford Africa Conference on May 17, 2026.
Professor Opoku-Agyemang stressed that Africa cannot remain merely a consumer of externally developed systems. She advocated for the continent to develop its own technologies and solutions tailored to its unique realities. She noted the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) provides significant opportunities for market integration and economic growth.
This push for self-reliance and innovation aligns with Ghana's broader economic strategy. The nation is actively working to stabilize its economy and reduce its dependence on raw material exports. Ghana aims to strengthen value addition, particularly in sectors like cocoa processing. This represents a significant shift towards a more sustainable and diverse economic structure.
The Vice President's office issued a statement confirming her remarks. She spoke at the annual conference organized by the Oxford Africa Society. The conference theme was “Anchoring Africa: Grounded Leadership in the Age of Disruption.” This event brings together leaders, academics, students, and innovators to discuss Africa's future.
Professor Opoku-Agyemang also underscored the importance of effective governance. She said good governance must be disciplined, ethical, and connected to policy implementation. It must also remain grounded in serving the people. She believes transformation depends on such leadership, ensuring institutions function and citizens feel the impact of policies.
Ghana's ongoing economic reforms reflect this vision for grounded leadership. The government is implementing various initiatives to foster economic growth and inclusion. These efforts aim to build institutional resilience and achieve long-term economic transformation.
The Vice President specifically highlighted the '24-Hour Economy' policy. This policy aims to boost economic activity around the clock. She also mentioned the proposed Women’s Development Bank. This financial institution seeks to integrate women, who are often excluded, into formal economic systems. Women form a significant part of informal trade and economic activity across Africa.
The proposed Women's Development Bank will not only provide financial support. It will also equip women with necessary skills and tools. This will help them grow their businesses sustainably. It will also allow them to participate more fully in Ghana's economic transformation. This initiative addresses a critical gap in financial inclusion for a key demographic.
Ultimately, Africa's future hinges on deliberate and collective organization to lead, according to Vice President Opoku-Agyemang. This means taking advantage of technological advancements and regional integration. Decision-makers and markets will closely observe how these strategies translate into concrete economic gains. The focus will be on increased local innovation and broader economic participation.