Africa's richest man, Aliko Dangote, has commended President John Dramani Mahama for Ghana's remarkable economic recovery. Speaking at the Accra Reset meeting in New York on September 21, 2026, Dangote attributed Ghana's turnaround to the trust and confidence investors have in President Mahama. He noted that the country's economic revival was not due to magic, but rather the right decisions made by the government. Ghana's economy has shown significant improvement, with inflation dropping to low single digits and the cedi appreciating by over 40% against the US dollar.
The Accra Reset meeting, convened by President Mahama, aims to reposition Ghana as a hub for trade and investment under the African Continental Free Trade Area. The event brought together heads of state, UN officials, and private sector leaders to discuss Africa's industrialisation, critical minerals, and intra-African trade. Dangote credited President Mahama's leadership for restoring confidence in Ghana at a time when the country is emerging from years of economic turbulence. Ghana's gross international reserves have risen to $14.4 billion, and foreign direct investment has jumped to an estimated $2.61 billion.
Dangote called for reforms on the continent, urging African leaders to implement free movement of people, goods, and services. He questioned why it is easier for Europeans to travel across Africa than for Africans themselves. Dangote argued that security fears often cited by political leaders for restrictive visa regimes are misplaced, as those who cause instability do not travel through airports. He stressed that Africans do not have the capacity to cause trouble more than somebody who is more enlightened.
The Nigerian billionaire indicated that African governments and the private sector must believe in the continent and invest in its young and vibrant population. He noted that most of the population in other areas are aging, while Africa has a young and vibrant generation. Dangote called on African governments and the private sector to invest in the continent's future, as it is not only for Africans but also for the future of the next generation.
Dangote revealed that despite a "rough and tough eight years," his group has rolled out a massive investment plan focused exclusively on the continent. The plan includes $46 billion in investments between now and 2030, across Africa. He stated that Africa's industrialisation will not happen through policy declarations alone, but through large-scale African-owned production backed by African capital. Dangote's 650,000 barrels-per-day refinery has already exported over 456,000 tonnes of fuel to several African countries, including Ghana.
Dangote's call for continental reforms comes as Africa is emerging from years of economic challenges. Ghana's inflation, which peaked at 54.1% at the end of 2022, has fallen sharply to low single digits. The country's economic recovery has been hailed as a success story, with the International Monetary Fund noting that Ghana's macroeconomic stability has improved significantly. Dangote's comments have sparked a renewed debate on the need for visa-free travel in Africa.
The African Continental Free Trade Area, whose Secretariat is hosted in Accra, aims to boost intra-African trade and investment. The agreement has the potential to create a single, unified market for Africa, increasing economic opportunities and cooperation among member states. As Dangote noted, Africa's promise and potential are enormous, and it is time for Africans to turn these potentials into reality.
Key points
- Aliko Dangote praises Ghana's economic recovery under President John Dramani Mahama.
- Dangote calls for visa-free travel in Africa to boost intra-African trade and investment.
- Dangote's group plans to invest $46 billion in Africa by 2030.
