The Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, has called for intensified efforts to unify African countries, noting that trade and economic success should be at the core of these initiatives.
In a keynote address delivered on his behalf by Presidential Envoy and former Minister of Youth and Sports, Elvis Afriyie Ankrah, at the African Business Unity event on Saturday, October 18, 2025, the Chief of Staff urged investors across the continent to unite and support the growth of African nations.
Julius Debrah stated that while political freedom defined relations among African countries in the 20th century, economic integration should form the basis for unity in the 21st century.
Leveraging history to underscore his argument, Hon. Julius Debrah noted that evidence abounds to show that Africa’s development cannot be undertaken by anyone other than Africans themselves.
He urged Africa’s private sector to lead the charge toward economic unity and empowerment, stating, “If political freedom was the defining struggle of the 20th century, then business and economic integration must be the defining mission of the 21st century.”
He highlighted that, despite Africa’s vast potential, with sixty percent of its 1.4 billion population being under 25, the continent still lacks a single company on the Fortune Global 500.
Julius Debrah, therefore urged business leaders across Africa to consolidate resources and expertise to create sustainable opportunities for the continent’s youth.
“That is the level of enterprise Africa must now build—companies that can drive prosperity and create opportunities for our youth,” he said.
Julius Debrah also described the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as “the most transformative economic framework since independence,” capable of creating a unified market of 1.3 billion consumers with a combined GDP of 3.4 trillion dollars.
Outlining three pillars of President John Mahama’s administration, Julius Debrah called for integrated markets, stronger industrial value chains, and greater collaboration among African business leaders.
He urged governments to “remove trade barriers, strengthen infrastructure, and lead from the forefront in driving regional integration.”
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