Zuma Advocates for Africa-Owned Trading Platform to Bolster Continental Economy
Former South African President Jacob Zuma has issued a powerful call for Africa to establish its own continental trading platform. This strategic initiative, he argues, is crucial for fostering robust intra-African commerce and significantly reducing the continent’s over-reliance on external financial frameworks. His vision underscores a move towards greater economic self-determination and resilience against global economic fluctuations, aiming to empower Africa through enhanced economic sovereignty.
Paving the Way for African Economic Sovereignty
Speaking as the keynote speaker at the 2025 Annual Leadership Lecture of the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), held at the distinguished Kofi Ohene-Konadu Auditorium, Mr. Zuma articulated a clear pathway for Africa’s economic future. He posited that an indigenous trading platform would not only prioritize African-made goods and services but also actively promote self-reliance across the continent. Such a mechanism, he stressed, is vital for shielding African economies from the unpredictable nature of external economic shocks. The esteemed event drew a diverse gathering of prominent figures, including academics, government officials, and religious leaders, with former Ghanaian President John Agyekum Kufuor also in attendance, highlighting the significance of the discourse on African trade and economic development.
Addressing the pertinent theme, “The Geopolitics and Geo-Economics of De-dollarisation: BRICS Currency Strategy, Lessons for Africa’s Common Currency and Beyond,” the former president critically examined Africa’s current economic vulnerabilities. He contended that the continent’s pronounced dependence on foreign currencies, particularly the US dollar, leaves it susceptible to external pressures and hinders its ability to chart an independent economic course. Zuma’s proposition for an Africa-centric trading system aligns with the broader global shift towards de-dollarisation and seeks to empower African nations to take control of their economic destinies. This move is particularly relevant for Africa’s evolving tech landscape and e-commerce sectors, where a continental platform could offer tailored digital solutions, lower transaction costs, and ensure data sovereignty within Africa, fostering intra-continental commerce.
Jacob Zuma’s impassioned plea for an African-owned trading platform represents a significant step towards economic independence and continental integration. By championing self-reliance and insulating African economies from external volatility, this initiative could unlock unprecedented opportunities for growth and prosperity. His call resonates deeply with the aspirations for a stronger, more unified, and economically sovereign Africa, capable of determining its own future on the global stage.
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