First Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Bernard Ahiafor, has called on legislators across African Commonwealth countries to champion industrialization through value addition and stronger regional trade.
Speaking at the 54th CPA Africa Regional Conference in The Gambia, Ahiafor stressed that Africa can only lift its citizens out of poverty by processing its abundant raw materials at home rather than exporting them in raw form.
Chairing a session on “The Role of African Legislatures in Boosting Industrialization through Value Addition and Local Manufacturing”, Ahiafor outlined key strategies for transforming Africa’s economic landscape.
He emphasized the need for policy frameworks that incentivize the conversion of raw materials into finished products.
“Africa exports raw materials and biofuel products ten times the price. We export raw materials and import poverty into our various countries in Africa. If you add values at home, you create wealth at home,” he said.
Ahiafor also urged lawmakers to facilitate intra-African trade and the free movement of goods and services.
“We need to harmonize our strength in various areas so that we will be able to grow together as Africans. We need common currency as African currency,” he noted.
The Deputy Speaker described the initiative as a long-standing challenge that requires consistent action.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
