Prioritize peace, reforms to attract investment – Mahama to African leaders

President John Dramani Mahama has called on African leaders to prioritise peace, good governance, and economic stability as the foundation for attracting sustainable investment into the continent.

Speaking at the ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9) in Tokyo, Japan, on Thursday, August 21, 2025, the president emphasised that Africa’s ability to compete on the global stage will rely on deliberate reforms rather than wishful thinking.

According to Mahama, partnerships with international stakeholders remain important, but the ultimate responsibility for creating a favourable business environment rests with African governments themselves.

“While partnerships such as what we are forging here at TICAD 9 are important, a lot of the responsibility rests on the shoulders of African leaders to create an environment that is conducive to trade and investments,” he said.

He highlighted the need for mutually beneficial relations with global partners while carrying out the essential reforms required to make Africa an attractive destination for investors.

“We wish to partner with any nation of the world on the basis of a win-win. But let us not kid ourselves. Trade investment will not come to Africa merely because we wish it. We must undertake the hard and necessary reforms to make Africa an attractive destination for investment,” he added.

President Mahama also stressed that peace and stability are vital for development, warning that conflicts and weak governance structures deter investors.

“That is why we must silence the guns and stop the fighting. That is why we must reform our economies and make them more stable and predictable. And it is why we must reform our governance and make public service accountable and free of corruption,” he stated.

The president’s address highlighted the importance of strong leadership in transforming Africa into a credible player in global trade. He urged governments across the continent to implement policies that foster economic growth, ensure transparency, and create a predictable investment climate.