Former Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, delivered impressive speech at the Cambridge Africa Business Conference, rallying a global audience around Africa’s digital awakening.
Declaring that “Africa’s time is now,” Dr. Bawumia said that the continent has all it needs to lead in innovation—if only leaders and institutions stay committed to bold, tech-driven reforms.
Using Ghana as a beacon, Dr. Bawumia recounted how digitization has improved government transparency and expanded access to services.
He noted the implementation of a national digital property address system, the Ghana Card as a unique identifier, and a groundbreaking mobile money interoperability platform that has become a model for other countries.
He pointed out that digital platforms have allowed governments to collect revenue more efficiently, deliver social interventions with precision, and fight corruption through traceable transactions.
“When the systems work,” he stated, “the people benefit.” His remarks echoed a broader theme of building trust in public institutions through smart technology.
Dr. Bawumia emphasized the need for Africa to build homegrown digital solutions. “We cannot rely on imported systems that do not understand our unique challenges,” he warned.
He encouraged the continent’s entrepreneurs and developers to lead the next wave of African innovation and pledged Ghana’s support for regional tech collaboration.
Throughout the conference, attendees praised Dr. Bawumia’s clarity, energy, and vision.
His central message—that digital transformation is not a luxury but a necessity—resonated with the students, scholars, and professionals present. For many, his appearance was more than a keynote; it was a call to action.
Trade Imbalances
Earlier, Dr Bawumia, had called for global leaders to prioritise trust and cooperation over protectionist measures like tariffs in addressing trade imbalances.
Speaking at the International Democracy Union (IDU) Forum in Brussels in Belgium, Dr Bawumia emphasised that fostering mutual trust is essential for restoring stability amid global trade uncertainties.
He highlighted that tariffs often exacerbate tensions and hinder economic growth, particularly affecting developing nations.
He pointed out that Africa, despite its vast natural resources and youthful population, remains marginalised in global trade.
He noted that intra-African trade accounts for only 15% of the continent’s total trade, compared to 67% within the European Union and 61% in Asia.
He argued that building trust among nations could lead to more equitable trade practices and economic partnerships.
“We must move beyond short-term fixes and work towards long-term solutions that benefit all parties involved,” he stated.
He also advocated for the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as a transformative initiative to enhance intra-African trade and economic integration.
Dr Bawumia stressed that for AfCFTA to succeed, member states must commit to reducing non-tariff barriers and improving infrastructure.
“The AfCFTA provides a unique opportunity for Africa to redefine its place in the global economy,” he remarked.
