Egypt hosted the inaugural Alamein Africa Forum in early October, bringing together over 20 heads of state and government representatives. President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi led the event, which aimed to establish a permanent business platform for the continent. Ghana was represented at the top level, with President John Mahama leading a delegation that included the trade minister, private-sector players, and his adviser on the 24-hour economy and export programme.
During the forum, President Mahama emphasized the need for Africa to boost its local manufacturing, particularly in the health sector. He noted that Africa imports over 70 percent of its pharmaceuticals and about 99 percent of its vaccines, calling for governments, banks, and institutional investors to finance local production. Mahama urged that health be treated as a high-growth sector worthy of investment, rather than a charitable line item.
The Accra Reset Presidential Council, chaired by President Mahama, is taking steps to track continental capital flows and remove non-tariff barriers. The council is deploying task forces and a Reform Interlock Observatory to monitor progress. This initiative demonstrates Ghana's commitment to economic development and regional cooperation. By sharing his message at the Alamein Africa Forum, Mahama contributed to the discussion on Africa's economic future.
Egypt's hosting of the Alamein Africa Forum offers valuable lessons for Ghana. Firstly, creating a recurring forum can give a country a permanent role in setting the continent's business agenda. Egypt's biennial forum provides a platform for Cairo to engage with other African nations and shape economic policies. Ghana, with its own standing ideas and initiatives, could consider establishing a similar convening.
Another key takeaway from Egypt's experience is the importance of linking economics to security. Egypt paired its business forum with a four-nation consultative summit on the Horn of Africa, resulting in a follow-up mechanism with periodic meetings. Ghana's delegation included a Sahel envoy, indicating that the country recognizes the connection between investment and stability.
The Alamein Declaration, signed by Egypt, Eritrea, Sudan, and Somalia, highlights the importance of cooperation on regional issues. The declaration covers Red Sea governance, state sovereignty, and Nile rights, demonstrating the potential for African nations to work together on pressing concerns. By participating in such forums, Ghana can strengthen its relationships with other African countries.
To ensure the effectiveness of initiatives like the Alamein Africa Forum and Ghana's Accra Reset, it is crucial to measure delivery and track progress. Egypt's declaration established a follow-up mechanism, while Ghana's Reform Interlock Observatory will monitor capital flows and non-tariff barriers. By regularly publishing its findings and reporting on progress, Ghana can demonstrate its commitment to tangible results.
Key points
- President John Mahama calls for Africa to boost local pharmaceutical manufacturing
- Egypt's Alamein Africa Forum provides a model for Ghana to establish a recurring business platform
- Ghana's Accra Reset initiative aims to track continental capital flows and remove non-tariff barriers
