Industry stakeholders have raised concerns over Africa’s continued marginal presence in global manufacturing, warning that the continent’s economic prospects remain constrained by its over-dependence on raw material exports and limited industrial output.
Despite holding over 30 per cent of the world’s mineral resources, Africa contributes only about 1.9 per cent to global manufacturing, and its share of global industrial GDP remains under three per cent, according to the African Development Bank.
Also, manufacturing accounts for just 10 to 12 per cent of GDP in most African countries, a trend many describe as unsustainable.
These concerns were raised at the inaugural African Industrial Forum (AIF), hosted virtually by the African Technology and Innovation Institutes (ATII).
The event, which was led by Rose-Margaret Ekeng-Itua, a professor of engineering, convened policymakers, innovators, academics and private sector leaders from across the continent and diaspora, sparking a call to transform Africa from a raw material exporter to a global industrial powerhouse through artificial intelligence, automation and human-centred innovation.
Ekeng-Itua described the statistics as a wake-up call and a turning point for Africa. She said the region’s economic model, dominated by the export of raw materials and the import of high-value finished goods, has deprived Africans of jobs, innovation leadership and long-term economic independence.
“For Africa, this is more than a challenge, it is a call to define our path, rooted in our realities, our values, and our vast potential,” she said.
She urged African governments to provide enabling policies, invest in infrastructure and lead with strategic vision while calling on private sector actors to adopt smart technologies, build up local manufacturing capacity, and support research and development tailored to Africa’s needs. She emphasised that the forum is not just an event, but a movement to change the continent’s economic narrative.
Representative of the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) in Nigeria, Amb. Philberth Abaka Johnson, underscored the need for African countries to reposition themselves within global value chains.
Represented by Emem Umana, Johnson advocated for strategic dialogue and the implementation of policies that support industrial transformation across the region.
In his keynote, the Founder of AI Centre of Excellence Africa (AICE), John Kamara, said Africa must now shift from passive participation to taking the lead in shaping global industries.
“This is Africa’s moment to shape global industries, not just to participate in them, but to architect them. We are not too late, we are just right in time,” he stated.
Organisers say the African Industrial Forum is built on a vision to connect changemakers across sectors who believe in Africa’s ability not only to catch up but to lead. Through ATII, the Forum aims to build collaborative, pan-African ecosystems that link academia, industry and government to accelerate inclusive and tech-driven industrial growth.
ATII acts as a key knowledge hub supporting research-to-industry collaboration across Africa and Indigenous communities. Its focus areas include artificial intelligence, clean technology, climate resiliency, healthcare, education and women’s empowerment, all geared toward building a sustainable and innovative future for the continent.
