Africa Must Embrace AI and Renewable Energy to Stay Competitive — Okonjo-Iweala

World Trade Organisation director-general Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has urged African governments to invest boldly in artificial intelligence, renewable energy and critical mineral value chains, warning that the continent risks being left behind in a technology-driven global economy.

Speaking at the 7th Africa Emerging Markets Forum in Abuja, held under the theme “Building Resilience Amidst Geoeconomic Uncertainties”, she said continuing to export raw commodities while others capture the value added is not a viable strategy, and that current growth rates are too slow to create jobs and prosperity for Africa’s young and growing population.

She called for a stronger African position in global supply chains for lithium, cobalt, manganese, graphite and rare earth minerals, noting that the continent captures very little economic value from its reserves because so little processing happens locally. Rising public debt, she added, continues to constrain the investment needed for that transformation.

Source: The Sun