Africa is key to new future alliances – President Mahama tells World Governments Summit

In a speech at the World Governments Summit 2026 in Dubai, President John Dramani Mahama has reiterated his advocacy for future global alliances anchored in mutual respect, shared aspirations, and collective advancement.

He observed that, with the world's youngest population, vast natural endowments, dynamic innovation, and an expanding market of 1.3 billion people, Africa can no longer be a mere space of competition.

"Africa will play a decisive role in shaping the global economy of the twenty-first century. These new alliances must aim at adding value to Africa's natural resources, grant greater sovereignty and control of its natural resources", President Mahama noted.

He explained that the old-world order, largely forged in response to geopolitical rivalries, military confrontations, and economic competition, is fast collapsing and that new partnerships must extend beyond traditional diplomacy.

"Africa deserves a seat at the table in the reshaping of a new global order. This is why the Accra Reset, which convened in Accra, New York, Davos, and soon Addis, offers a roadmap for the transition from aid and dependence to trade, investment, and global partnerships.

The President, however, said that to achieve the right alliances, Africa must reset itself, anchored in selfless leadership, build strong institutions, promote accountable, transparent governance, and respect for human rights.

He pledged Africa's readiness to do business with global partners not just for trade but to transform the continent through investments "that build industries, strengthen supply chains, and create shared opportunity."

The President also assured that Ghana remains steadfastly committed to an international order based on dialogue rather than confrontation, cooperation rather than isolation, rules rather than coercion, and shared progress rather than zero-sum rivalry.

"The Ghana-UAE partnership stands as a clear example of future-oriented global alliances, mobilising a USD 30 million grant to advance climate action, biodiversity protection and inclusive development."