At the High-Level Dialogue on “The role of the private sector in realizing Africa's Agenda 2063” event on the margins of the 39th Assembly of the African Union (AU) in Addis Ababa this afternoon, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the AU Commission, emphasized:

“Africa’s era of exporting raw materials and importing value-added goods must end. With 1.4 billion people, 30% of the world’s critical minerals, and the AfCFTA as a foundation, the continent has the assets to industrialize, integrate, and lead.

Public policy alone is not enough, he said, ' Industrialization, energy transition, digital innovation, and value chain development require full private sector partnership,' he added.

He assured that the AU will strengthen regulatory coherence, reduce non-tariff barriers, and launch a Permanent Presidential Mechanism for strategic dialogue with African business—focused on results.

He concluded by underscoring that "every job is a contribution to peace... every investment is a vote of confidence in Africa’s future.'