Africa’s technological destiny took centre stage recently on industry leaders and innovators across the African continent converged virtually for the inaugural African Industrial Forum (AIF).
Hosted by the African Technology and Innovation Institutes (ATII) and spearheaded by Professor Rose-Margaret Ekeng-Itua, the landmark summit sparked a continental call to transform Africa from a raw material exporter to a global industrial powerhouse through artificial intelligence, automation, and human-centred innovation.
In a stirring welcome address, Professor Rose-Margaret declared that this moment is Africa’s industrial turning point.
“Despite holding over 30% of the world’s mineral resources, Africa contributes only about 1.9% to global manufacturing output. According to the African Development Bank, Africa’s share of global industrial GDP is still less than 3%, and manufacturing makes up just 10–12% of most African countries’ GDP. “We remain primarily exporters of raw materials, while importing high-value finished goods—an unsustainable model that continues to deprive us of jobs, economic independence, and innovation leadership. 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.” Rose-Margaret emphasised that the AIF is not just a forum, it is a movement, calling on government, private sector leaders, educators and universities, including Young Africans on the continent and in the diaspora, to become a part of this “journey to change the narrative for Africa.
While the governments are required to build enabling policies, invest in infrastructure, and lead with vision, private sector leaders should invest in local manufacturing, adopt smart technologies, and support African R&D.”
In the same vein, while delivering his opening remarks, United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) Representative in Nigeria, Amb. Philberth Abaka Johnson, represented by Ms. Emem Umana, maintained that Africa must position itself to become a major player in global value chains. “There is a need for a strategic dialogue on Africa’s industrial future, so that African countries can become major players in global value chains by putting in place and implementing the right policies and programs that serve to position them appropriately.” Furthermore, Mr. John Kamara, Founder, AICE (AI Centre of Excellence Africa) & Afya Rekod opined in his keynote address that Africa’s moment is now. “So, I believe this is Africa’s moment to shape global industries, not just to participate in them, but to architect them. The new frontier of smart manufacturing automation and artificial intelligence. We’re not too late. We are just right in time.”
The historic gathering unfolded as a masterclass in Pan-African collaboration, featuring visionary interventions from Dr. Edem Wornyo, PhD, Senior Strategic Research Program Management Leader, Google and Ms. Ene Sandra Macharm, Head of Global Partnerships, GET.transform, in a panel discussion. Other dignitaries who spoke out for Africa at the Forum included Barr. Odum-Ijom Ukam Esq., Commissioner for Youth Development and Skills Acquisition, Cross River State; Chief Jacob Oroks – CEO Iboto Empire.
Also in attendance were representatives from Manufacturers’ Association of Nigeria (MAN), Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, Innovation and Technology Management Office (ITMO), University of Lagos, Adanian Labs and other institutions The landmark gathering has kicked off a bold mission to position Africa for global relevance, ensuring that Africans leverage technology, its smart, intelligent and youthful population to its advantage.
The African Industrial Forum was born from a vision to connect visionaries, doers, and disruptors who believe in Africa’s capacity not just to catch up but to lead. Through the African Technology and Innovation Institutes, the Forum aims to build pan-African ecosystems of learning, innovation, and collaboration—linking academia, industry, and government in powerful, purpose-driven partnerships.
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