President Bio Urges Africa to Process Its Own Resources and Expand Trade
Alusine Ahmed Kargbo President Julius Maada Bio has called on African countries to build stronger industries, improve regional trade and use their natural resources to create jobs and wealth, saying political independence must be supported by economic self-reliance.
Speaking at the Elevate Africa Convening 2026 in Accra, Ghana, Bio said the continent must move away from relying mainly on exporting raw materials while buying finished products from other parts of the world.
He argued that African nations need greater capacity to manufacture goods, process minerals and agricultural products, and negotiate international agreements in ways that benefit their economies and citizens.
“Our resources must create industries, jobs and wealth for our people,” Bio said.
The meeting, held under the theme “Africa: Defining Her Future,” brought discussions about economic development, leadership and Africa’s role in global affairs to the forefront.
The president said African countries face changing global economic relationships, pressure on development financing and rapid technological advances. He urged leaders to respond by building stronger economies and protecting their countries’ long-term interests.
Bio said Africa’s natural resources should support local industries instead of leaving countries dependent on foreign markets for finished goods.
He also stressed that economic independence requires more than the right to make national decisions. Countries must have the resources and institutions needed to put those decisions into practice, including the ability to educate children, feed their populations and create employment.
Referring to Sierra Leone’s development priorities, Bio highlighted the Free Quality School Education Programme, launched in 2018, as an effort to expand access to education regardless of a child’s family income.
He also pointed to the Feed Salone initiative, which aims to strengthen agriculture and food security. He said improving domestic food production can help countries become more resilient when external disruptions affect supplies and prices.
Bio called for practical improvements in trade between African countries, saying regional integration should make it easier for businesses to sell goods across borders.
He cited the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), a framework intended to expand trade among African countries, and said its benefits should be felt by traders, entrepreneurs and businesses.
The president used the example of a business in Freetown trading with customers in Accra, arguing that unnecessary barriers should not prevent companies from accessing markets elsewhere on the continent.
He said the success of African integration should be judged by the opportunities it creates, rather than the number of agreements signed or meetings held.
Bio challenged participants at the Accra meeting to leave with clear commitments supported by funding, implementation plans and accountability measures.
“Let Accra be remembered for what we began here, not simply for what we said here,” he said.
He argued that Africa already has development plans and regional agreements but needs stronger action to turn them into results for ordinary people.
The president also called for greater accountability in public spending and urged governments to build institutions that can protect public resources and maintain development programmes beyond changes in political leadership.
He said young Africans must have more opportunities to participate in decision-making and access education, jobs, innovation and entrepreneurship.
“We cannot continue calling them the leaders of tomorrow while denying them opportunities to lead today,” Bio said.
Reflecting on Sierra Leone’s experience of conflict and recovery, Bio said lasting development depends on peace, justice, dialogue and respect for constitutional order.
He urged political leaders to resolve disagreements through trusted institutions rather than violence.
“Peace gives development a chance to succeed. Strong institutions give that progress a chance to last,” he said.
Bio also recalled the influence of his late mother, Yei Amie, saying her commitment to education, hard work and integrity helped create opportunities for her children despite limited resources.
He used the experience to highlight the importance of decisions that improve prospects for future generations.
During the opening ceremony, First Lady Fatima Bio also called for greater empowerment of women across Africa, arguing that the continent’s progress depends on expanding opportunities for women.
Bio concluded by urging African leaders, investors and other influential figures to focus on decisions that deliver lasting benefits for citizens, including stronger industries, more employment and institutions capable of sustaining development.