Prime minister Elijah Ngurare says Africa must stop exporting raw mineral resources and instead process them locally to create jobs and achieve economic independence.
Speaking at the second African Management Development Institute’s Network (AMDIN) conference hosted by the Namibia Institute of Public Administration and Management in Windhoek on Monday, Ngurare said Africa’s political independence should translate into economic freedom.
“Africa needs economic independence. Our rich mineral resources must be processed here and exported as finished products to add value and create jobs,” he said.
Ngurare said African countries should not position themselves as “beggars” in international relations, but as owners of resources that other nations need.
“These are our own God-given resources. They were not found dangling in the air without ownership. They are ours, and we must assert that ownership without fear,” he said.
He said African governments must improve living conditions on the continent to prevent dangerous migration trends.
“How many Africans must drown to death crossing the Mediterranean Sea to reach Europe because it’s deemed better there?” he asked.
“We must reverse these trends by making living conditions in Africa better. We have the resources to do so. What we lack is the will.”
Ngurare also called for Africa to develop its own technology infrastructure, including software, smartphones, and social media platforms.
“Nothing stops us from developing our own hardware such as computers, laptops, smartphones, our own software, and social media applications for Africa by Africans,” he said.
He warned that artificial intelligence should not replace human intelligence.
Ngurare further urged governments to prioritise youth inclusion in leadership.
