A World in Flux: Resilience and Strategic Autonomy
The 56th World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos took place against a backdrop of rising geopolitical and economic uncertainty. A central theme was strengthening resilience and strategic autonomy moving away from dependency towards self-reliant growth. For Africa, this highlights the need to build domestic capacities rather than rely solely on external aid and investment.
Africa’s Demographic Dividend and the Jobs Imperative
WEF highlighted Africa’s youthful population as a potential demographic dividend, provided education and job creation keep pace. The continent must equip its young workforce with future-ready skills to meet demand across green sectors, technology, and sustainable industries. Africa’s green economy could create up to 3.3 million direct jobs by 2030, largely in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and green manufacturing, highlighting the immense potential for youth employment in climate-aligned sectors. Investing in vocational training, entrepreneurship, and digital literacy will be crucial to harness this potential. Without action, demographic pressure could become a source of instability rather than growth, undermining economic development and social cohesion across the continent.
Technology, Infrastructure and Competitiveness
Discussions also reinforced the importance of digital transformation and infrastructure investment. Closing gaps in energy, transport, and connectivity will be essential for Africa to compete globally and enable innovation. Reliable electricity, digital public infrastructure, and resilient logistics systems are foundational for industrialisation, scaling green enterprises, and integrating African markets into regional and global value chains. This creates the environment for both economic competitiveness and climate-aligned development.
Homegrown Solutions and Industrialisation
Leaders such as Nigeria’s Vice-President Kashim Shettima emphasised homegrown solutions, urging Africa to move away from import dependence and aid towards innovation, domestic production, and investment-driven growth. He highlighted that building domestic productive capacity turns talent and resources into real, resilient wealth, moving nations from price takers to value makers. This mindset from dependency to dignity aligns with Africa’s broader development goals.
The Green Economy and Low-Carbon Transition
Despite talks of climate change retreating to the sidelines, WEF outcomes reinforced the urgency of green growth. Africa’s renewable energy potential, sustainable agriculture, and climate technology sectors are central to low-carbon transitions. Investments in clean energy, climate-smart infrastructure, and green enterprises can unlock jobs, strengthen resilience, and attract strategic capital. By integrating climate action with industrialisation, Africa can simultaneously address development and sustainability objectives.
What This Means for Africa
The message from WEF 2026 is clear, Africa’s path forward lies in integrating economic transformation, climate action, and industrialisation. By mobilising climate finance, building local industries, and empowering youth and innovators, Africa can lead a just, sustainable, and prosperous low-carbon future that meets both global challenges and local aspirations. With strategic planning, homegrown solutions, and investment in technology and infrastructure, Africa can turn its opportunities into long-term resilience and global competitiveness.
Author: Kennedy Simango
Research Analyst
