According to him, African leaders must begin to map out a master strategy to boost the industrial revolution on the continent.
Speaking at the 17th Extra-Ordinary Session of the Africa Union (AU) on Industrialization and Economic Diversification on behalf of Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, the Trade Minister did not mince words in celebrating the fortunes of the industrial sector.
He emphasized the immense prospects the industrial, coupled with the availability of huge natural resources could bring to the continent.
Mr. Kyerematen further asked African leaders to seriously embrace industrialization as it is the surest means out of the deep poverty and large levels of unemployment facing their people, adding the difficulties most African countries faced in the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic and Russia-Ukraine war should be a wake-up call.
"Excellencies, It is a paradox of history that although Africa controls most of the strategic mineral resources of the world, has almost 60 percent of all arable lands, is endowed with the most extensive water bodies and has some of the richest forest resources, Africa still accounts for only 1.9% of global manufacturing and controls less than 4% of global trade," he explained.
Mr Kyeremanten continued, "The answer to this paradox is for Africa to industrialize and add value to its natural resources. It is not by coincidence that the most powerful economies in the world also happen to be the most industrialized"
"It is against this background that I wish to commend highly the efforts of the AU Commission in bringing a new impetus for the industrialization of our continent", Alan Kyerematen said at the continental summit in Niamey, Niger," the trade minister added.
He noted that the industrialization process comes with the outlay of huge financial resources, among others, but urged African leaders to adopt measures that will help to make this possible.
"Excellencies, as we are all aware, industrialization does not occur by chance or happen overnight. Africa will industrialize only if we plan for it through deliberate, consistent, and systematic efforts both at the regional and national levels. In this regard, I will encourage the African Union Commission to initiate the formulation of a new strategic framework for Africa’s Industrialization, learning from the experiences of the implementation of AIDA.
"Africa cannot industrialize without investment capital. African Governments will therefore need to introduce business regulatory reforms that will attract private capital, both domestic and foreign, into industrial development activities", the Trade and Industry added.
He cited the example of Ghana as a case study where the comprehensive 10-point strategy for industrialization led by the One-District, One-Factory was developed.
"Excellencies, in Ghana we have launched and are implementing a Comprehensive Ten Point Plan for Industrial Transformation which includes amongst others, the flagship “One District One Factory” Initiative which seeks to decentralize industrialization, and the establishment of Strategic Anchor Industries, which seek to diversify the Ghanaian economy away from cocoa and gold. Ghana is ready and willing to share our experiences with sister African countries," Mr. Kyerematen said.
Minister for Trade and Industry, Alan Kyerematen