Former Nigerian Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has urged Africa to create environments that will better reward its talent, in order to prevent the migration of skilled labor to other continents. He emphasized the need for Africa to build a robust economy that can compete globally, while speaking at the BOMA of Africa event in Accra.
“Labor will always move to where it is best rewarded,” Osinbajo said. “To stop this trend, Africa must create conditions that attract and retain talent.” He stressed that integrating trade, digital transactions, and infrastructure is key to building a resilient economy that can keep its people engaged and attract global talent.
The BOMA of Africa event, a joint initiative by AUDA-NEPAD and AfroChampions, showcases Africa’s progress toward its Agenda 2063 goals. This year’s theme, “From the Africa We Want to the Africa We Build,” reflects the continent’s ambition to achieve unity and progress.
Osinbajo highlighted several of Africa’s successes in intra-African trade. He noted that 41 percent of Africa’s machinery exports and significant amounts of biopharmaceutical products and industrial chemicals are traded within the continent. These figures underscore the growing economic integration among African nations.
He also pointed out Africa’s unique position to leverage its natural resources and biodiversity. Osinbajo mentioned Africa’s leadership in developing the world’s first vaccine passport through Panavirus and Africa CDC, a testament to the continent’s growing innovation capabilities.
Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, former Chairperson of the African Union Commission, also addressed the gathering. She urged Africans to redefine their identity beyond colonial and slavery legacies. “Africa was dynamic before colonization,” Dlamini-Zuma said. “We must harness our resources and capabilities to define our future.”
Dlamini-Zuma expressed concern that Africa’s large, youthful population has become a labor supplier to other regions, often out of desperation. She stressed the importance of creating opportunities within Africa to keep this talent on the continent. “Our trajectory towards 2063 must be determined by our own efforts, not just by external investors,” she added.
Highlighting Africa’s natural advantages, Dlamini-Zuma called for better utilization of resources like sunshine, rivers, and mineral wealth. “We have over 300 days of sunshine. We must use this to our advantage. Similarly, our rivers and diverse resources should benefit us directly,” she said.
Both Osinbajo and Dlamini-Zuma’s remarks underscore a shared vision for Africa’s future. They advocate for economic strategies that prioritize local talent and resources while fostering a climate of innovation and infrastructure development. This vision aligns with the broader goals of Agenda 2063, which aim to transform Africa into a prosperous and self-reliant continent.
As Africa continues to progress towards economic growth and integration, it is crucial to focus on rewarding talent and investing in infrastructure. By addressing these areas, the continent can better retain its skilled labor and build a more resilient and dynamic economy.
Source: Ghana Web
