Africa-Press – Liberia. President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has issued a powerful call for Africa to take charge of its own future, stressing that Africa must stand not as an observer but as an architect; not as a recipient but as a contributor, not as a continent waiting for permission, but as a continent shaping its own destiny.
He made the statement while joining global leaders in the historic city of Tangier for the seventeenth edition of the MEDays Forum, held under the patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI at Corniche Malabata, Morocco, on November 26, 2025. This year’s theme was “Fractures and Polarization: Re-inventing the Global Equation.”
President Boakai highlighted the urgent need to confront hard truths: “The world is changing in ways that are deep, unpredictable, and at times unsettling. Old certainties are giving way. New rivalries are emerging. Trust in the global system is eroding. And inequalities between nations and peoples continue to widen.”
He challenged the forum with a critical question: “Will Africa remain a spectator while others define the new world order, or will Africa claim its rightful place as a principal author of that future?”
Reflecting on history, he cautioned that in earlier centuries, Africans were taken away from the continent. Today, through decisions made far from its shores, there is a risk that Africa may be taken away from Africans.
On Africa’s wealth, he observed that Africa’s natural wealth enriches others more than its own people. Policies that shape its future are sometimes designed without its involvement. Narratives about the continent are too often shaped by voices that do not understand people’s lived experiences.
He emphasized: “This cannot continue. Not if we believe in fairness. Not if we believe in dignity. Not if we believe that Africans deserve a rightful place in the global conversation.”
The President outlined four pillars for Africa to shape a Just Global Equation.
Geopolitics
“Influence today is determined by unity, moral authority, and strategic diplomacy. Africa must strengthen its collective voice within global institutions. Our positions must reflect our priorities and be informed by our realities. Africa should not be a stage for global rivalry. Africa should be a respected pillar of global peace, leadership, and negotiation.”
Security
“A fragmented world brings new threats. Terrorism, cyber-attacks, piracy, trafficking, and organized crime undermine our progress. African states must work together to strengthen intelligence sharing, professionalize security institutions, and reinforce regional alliances. Peace is the bedrock of stability. A secure Africa stands tall in global affairs.”
Economic Governance
“Africa is rich in natural endowment, yet millions remain poor. This contradiction is not by chance. It is the result of structures that extract more than they build. That model cannot continue. Africa must insist on value addition. We must negotiate fairly. We must process our minerals at home. We must build industries that give our youth meaningful opportunities. And we must guarantee that the God-given resources of Africa uplift the people of Africa first.”
He added that no nation has developed by exporting raw materials alone. Africa must break from that path.
Regional Integration
“A divided continent cannot influence a divided world. We must accelerate the African Continental Free Trade Area. We must harmonize laws and standards. We must build the roads, railways, ports, aviation corridors, and digital highways that unite us. When Africa stands together, Africa becomes a global force.”
On Africa’s role in global affairs, he stressed: “Africa seeks partnership, not charity. Africa seeks opportunity, not sympathy. And Africa refuses to be spoken for. Africa demands a place at the table where decisions that shape its destiny are made.”
President Boakai highlighted the importance of responsible investment: “Investors can help create a fairer global equation by empowering Africans to become active participants and rightful stakeholders. Investments should support industries that process minerals, grow technology, strengthen agriculture, and build local expertise.”
He further noted that equity, profit sharing, and meaningful local participation ensure that Africans benefit directly from their own natural wealth. They can build infrastructure that strengthens communities. Roads, energy, logistics, technology, and water systems create prosperity for millions. Responsible investment produces stability and trust.
A positive mindset sees Africa not as a risk, but as a partner in global progress. When investors adopt this approach, Africans are no longer bystanders. Africans become contributors to global innovation and partners in shared prosperity.
Drawing on an African proverb, he concluded: “Until the lion learns to speak, every story will glorify the hunter.”
“Today, Africa is learning to speak. Africa is shaping its own narrative. Africa is asserting its place in the world. Africa is not silent. Africa is speaking. Africa is not waiting. Africa is moving. Africa is not behind. Africa is rising.
According to him, Africa has the people, the resources, the creativity, and the determination to shape a global equation that is fair, peaceful, and inclusive, noting that what the continent needs now is unity of purpose, strength of leadership, and courage in action.
He called for a commitment to building a global future where Africa is respected, African voices shape global outcomes, and African prosperity becomes a lived reality.
For More News And Analysis About Liberia Follow Africa-Press
