Gabby Asare Otchere-Darko ESQ, Founder and Executive Chairman of the Africa Prosperity Network (APN), has underscored the importance of Africa-led conversations at the Africa Prosperity Dialogues 2026, emphasizing that the initiative provides the continent a platform to shape its own future rather than being sidelined in global discussions.

Speaking to an audience of policymakers, business leaders, and development partners at the Day 3 of the APD 2026, Mr Otchere-Darko recalled his experience at the World Economic Forum in Davos in 2020, where Africa was often relegated to “a little corner” in global economic debates.

“We carry ourselves to Davos every year, yet we are not part of the major discussion,” he said.

“That is why we created platforms like the Africa Prosperity Dialogues — where the conversation is about us, by us, for our people, especially the youth.”

Mr Otchere-Darko noted that the event is designed to go beyond the usual meetings of political and business leaders by engaging young Africans and focusing on practical solutions for the continent’s development challenges.

Reflecting on Africa’s long journey toward integration, Mr Otchere-Darko recalled landmark moments including the creation of the Africa Standards Organization in Accra in 1977, the Economic Community of Africa in Abuja in 1991, and the signing of the Free Movement Protocol and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreements in 2018. Despite these milestones, he warned that implementation has lagged significantly.

“Leaders meet, sign treaties and protocols, then return home, only to reconvene years later to sign the same agreements. Enough is enough,” he said.

He highlighted the continent’s borders as a major barrier to progress, arguing that they limit economic sovereignty rather than protect it.

“We feel content to protect our borders as if our sovereignty relies on them,” he said.

“But borders restrict the substance of who we are. True sovereignty comes from economic leverage, integration, and collaboration.”

Mr. Otchere-Darko also sounded a warning on youth unemployment, noting that Africa currently has over one billion young people, a number expected to rise to 1.3 billion by 2040.

“Our economy is big enough to create jobs for our youth, but only if we come together, open our borders, and embrace economic cooperation,” he said.

He contrasted Africa’s approach with global trends, noting that while Europe and the United States erect barriers, African countries continue to impose internal restrictions that impede trade and growth.

The APN chairman further added: “Sovereignty is meaningful only when it gives our citizens dignity and opportunity. It is time for Africa to move from treaties to implementation, from promises to progress, and from corners to center stage in global affairs.”