FILE PHOTO: Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala poses outside a Nigerian diplomatic residence in Chambesy, near Geneva, Switzerland, September 29, 2020. REUTERS/Emma Farge/File Photo
By Abiola Olawale
The Director General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has urged African leaders to shift their focus from relying on foreign aid to embracing innovation and mobilizing domestic resources.
Speaking at the African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, she emphasized the need for a change in mindset, particularly in light of recent global developments, such as the suspension of United States Agency for International Development (USAID) activities by the US President Donald Trump administration.
She described access to aid as “a thing of the past,” urging African leaders to recognize the current geopolitical challenges and adapt accordingly.
The DG of WTO also stressed the importance of leveraging Africa’s resources, such as pension funds and multilateral development banks like the African Finance Corporation and Afrexim Bank.
She noted that pension funds from countries like South Africa, Nigeria, and Kenya alone could total around $250 billion, while African multilateral institutions have a combined balance sheet of approximately $70 billion.
She also called on African leaders to attract investment to add value to the continent’s abundant natural resources, such as lithium, manganese, and copper, which are critical for industries like electric vehicle manufacturing. She emphasized processing these resources locally to create jobs and boost trade.
She stated: “Access to aid, I think we can begin to think of it as a thing of the past.”
Wednesday January 14, 2026 The Nigerian renowned leadership expert, Rev. Dr. Sam Adeyemi, has challenged…
Tuesday January 13, 2026 Story by George Yawson Vineh The Nungua Stool has strongly condemned…
Chinedu Chukwudinma, Christopher J. Lee and Bettina Engels introduce special issue 186, Volume 52 of…
This radical supplement to the editorial of ROAPE’s Fanon special issue raises awareness of how…
For Immediate Release Date: 8 January 2026 Attended by: _Workers and Socialist Party (WASP), Socialist…
It is about a year since President Mahama launched the "Ghana Reset." In his New…
View Comments
Its like you read my mind You appear to know a lot about this like you wrote the book in it or something I think that you could do with some pics to drive the message home a little bit but instead of that this is fantastic blog An excellent read I will certainly be back
Hey There. I found your blog the usage of msn. That is a really smartly written article. I will be sure to bookmark it and come back to read more of your useful info. Thanks for the post. I will definitely return.
I think this is among the most vital information for me. And i’m glad reading your article. But wanna remark on some general things, The web site style is perfect, the articles is really great : D. Good job, cheers
UID_96709532###
test
UID_58198549###
test
ссылка на сайт KRAKEN DARKNET
**sleeplean**
is a US-trusted, naturally focused nighttime support formula that helps your body burn fat while you rest.
**oradentum**
oradentum is a comprehensive 21-in-1 oral care formula designed to reinforce enamel, support gum vitality, and neutralize bad breath using a fusion of nature-derived, scientifically validated compounds.
**tonic greens**
tonic greens is a cutting-edge health blend made with a rich fusion of natural botanicals and superfoods, formulated to boost immune resilience and promote daily vitality.
**biodentex**
biodentex is a dentist-endorsed oral wellness blend crafted to help fortify gums, defend enamel, and keep your breath consistently fresh.