Africa Will Drive the Future Global Economy: Dr. Akinwumi Adesina
At the 2025 edition of the World Government Summit (#WGS25), the President of the African Development Bank Group (AfDB), H.E. Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, delivered a bold and optimistic message that repositioned Africa as the global frontier for economic opportunity, innovation, and workforce growth.
Speaking to a global audience of policymakers, investors, and thought leaders, Dr. Adesina emphasized that Africa holds the key to solving some of the world’s most pressing challenges.
“Africa is the place to be, and I’m not worried about Africa,” he stated. “In fact, I’m excited for Africa.”
With 75% of its population under the age of 35, Africa is on track to become the largest contributor to the global labor force. According to Dr. Adesina, this demographic edge is a global advantage.
“That tells you Africa is going to be the labour workforce of the world,” he said. “To feed a global population of 9.5 to 10 billion people by 2050, it won’t come from Asia, Latin America, or the U.S, it’s going to come from Africa.”
Addressing common misconceptions about the continent, Dr. Adesina pushed back against outdated narratives that frame Africa as high-risk for investment.
“You hear a lot about Africa in terms of risk. But look, walking across the street is a risk. Eating food is a risk. Africa’s risk is no different from any part of the world.”
He called on global investors to shift their mindsets and see Africa not as a problem to fix, but as a strategic opportunity to tap into.
“If you’re not investing in Africa, where are you investing?”
Rejecting the notion of dependency, Dr. Adesina reaffirmed the continent’s commitment to self-driven growth through entrepreneurship, trade, and industrialization.
“Africa is not going to beg its way into development. Africa is going to invest and trade its way into development.”
Dr. Adesina closed his remarks with a powerful declaration of confidence in Africa’s future:
“I have no doubt that Africa will be the lighthouse of the world under any circumstances.”
As leaders gather to chart the future of global governance, his message served as a reminder that Africa is not just participating in the conversation—it is leading it.
Africa is not waiting to be discovered, it is already building. With innovation-driven economies, a youthful population, and a renewed commitment to pan-African progress, the continent is not just rising, it is ready.
