AFRICA’S FUTURE IS ITS PEOPLE: AMB. ZAINAB MOHAMMED CALLS FOR REFORM AT FOGECA 2025
By Raymond Enoch
Africa’s economic resurgence hinges on its people, especially its women, declared Ambassador Zainab Mohammed at the 17th Forum of Operators for the Guarantee of Economic Emergence in Africa (FOGECA) event, at Banjul, the Gambia January 31 to February 1, 2025,
The forum gathered African leaders, economists, and entrepreneurs to discuss solutions for the continent’s economic growth.
For nearly two decades, FOGECA has served as a think tank for African integration and economic advancement.
This year’s edition focused on reviewing past successes and charting new strategies for sustainable development.
Ambassador Zainab Mohammed, the Global President of WCCI (World Council for Corporate Investments), delivered a compelling address, emphasizing that Africans hold the key to Africa’s prosperity.
In a passionate call to action, Amb. Mohammed underscored the untapped potential of Africa’s people, particularly its women. “Africa’s strength lies in its people, and women make up more than half of our population,” she noted. “Yet, their contributions to economic growth remain underleveraged.”
She outlined key strategies for empowering women and fostering economic transformation, highlighting innovative financial systems like Islamic banking as a game-changer. Unlike traditional banking, Islamic finance provides collateral-free loans and profit-and-risk-sharing models, ensuring that women-led enterprises gain access to capital without compromising their dignity or independence.
However, finance alone is not enough. Mohammed stressed the urgency of education and skills development, particularly as Africa is projected to have the world’s largest and youngest workforce by 2035. “Women must be equipped with digital, technical, and entrepreneurial skills,” she said, adding that these skills will fuel innovation and drive key sectors like agriculture, technology, and manufacturing.
Beyond individual empowerment, Mohammed highlighted regional integration and strategic partnerships as crucial pathways for Africa’s success. She urged African leaders to leverage public-private collaborations, cross-border trade, and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to create opportunities that uplift women and, in turn, drive economic expansion.
Her speech resonated with attendees, igniting discussions on policy reforms and the role of inclusive economic frameworks. FOGECA 2025 closed with a renewed commitment to tangible actions that will ensure Africa’s human capital—its greatest asset—is fully harnessed.
As Africa pushes forward in its quest for economic transformation, Mohammed’s message is clear: Africa’s strength is in its people, and true development will come when policies, investments, and opportunities align to empower them—especially its women.
The challenge now is for leaders to turn these words into action. Will Africa rise to the occasion? The future depends on it.
