By: Julius Konton
Liberian President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. issued a powerful call for Africa to assert itself in shaping the emerging global order, warning that the continent risks losing control of its destiny if it does not actively participate in global decision-making.
Speaking at the 17th MEDays Forum, widely recognized as the “Davos of the Global South,” President Boakai addressed an audience of world leaders, diplomats, development partners, and business executives gathered at the Palais des Arts et de la Culture under the patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI of Morocco.
This year’s theme : “Fractures and Polarization: Re-Inventing the Global Equation” framed discussions on rising geopolitical tensions, inequality, and shifting global alliances.
Africa, Boakai argued, must refuse to be marginalized in this turbulent era.
“History warns us: in earlier centuries, Africans were taken away from Africa.
Today, decisions made far from our shores risk taking Africa away from Africans,” Boakai declared.
“Africa must stand not as an observer but as an architect of the new global equation”, he re-emphasized.
President Boakai underscored the economic contradictions facing the continent. Africa holds:
30% of the world’s mineral reserves,
60% of global arable land, and
8% of global natural gas reserves,
yet over 422 million Africans still live in extreme poverty, according to the African Development Bank.
“No nation has developed by exporting raw materials alone,” he stressed, urging African states to adopt policies that prioritize value addition, industrialization, and youth-centered economic transformation.
The Liberian leader outlined four strategic priorities Africa must champion to secure its place in the global future:
- Geopolitical Leadership
He said Africa must strengthen its collective voice in global institutions where it remains underrepresented.
Despite holding 17% of the world’s population, Africa controls less than 5% of voting power in key global decision-making bodies.
“Africa should not be a stage for global rivalry, it should be a respected pillar of global peace, leadership, and negotiation.”
- Security Cooperation
With attacks by extremist groups increasing by 22% across the Sahel in 2024, Boakai emphasized deeper regional collaboration, intelligence sharing, and professional security institutions.
“A secure Africa stands tall in global affairs,” he said.
- Economic Governance & Resource Justice
Boakai called for fairer mining contracts, stronger local participation, and transparent governance to curb the export of wealth that leaves African communities impoverished.
“The God-given resources of Africa must uplift the people of Africa first.”
- Regional Integration & Infrastructure
With the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) projected to boost regional income by US$450 billion by 2035, Boakai urged African governments to accelerate integration, harmonize standards, and expand cross-border infrastructure.
“A divided continent cannot influence a divided world”, he noted.
He challenged the investment community to adopt a mindset that views Africa as a partner, not a risk. Responsible investment, he said, must:
Promote local ownership and equity participation,
Build industries that process minerals and strengthen agriculture,
Expand infrastructure in transport, energy, technology, and water,
Uphold strong environmental, transparency, and governance standards.
“When investors choose value creation instead of extraction, Africans become contributors to global innovation, not bystanders.”
According to him, Africa Is Learning to Speak.
“Until the lion learns to speak, every story will glorify the hunter.” he added.
President Boakai declared that Africa is now gaining its voice, shaping its narrative, and asserting its right to define its future.
“Africa is not silent. Africa is speaking. Africa is rising.”
“We have the people, the creativity, and the determination to build a fair and inclusive world, if we stand together”, he reechoed.
He thanked the Kingdom of Morocco, the Amadeus Institute, and His Majesty King Mohammed VI for hosting a forum that amplifies Global South perspectives at a pivotal moment in world history.
