In a world where value chains are being reshaped and economic sovereignty is becoming a central issue, Africa faces a major challenge: further transforming its own resources. Despite its abundant raw materials, the continent remains heavily dependent on imports of finished products. According to the World Bank, the manufacturing industry accounts for only about 11 to 13% of Africa’s GDP on average, a level considered insufficient to drive a genuine structural transformation of its economies.
In a global context marked by the restructuring of value chains and the pursuit of economic sovereignty, investment in local production is emerging as a major strategic challenge for Africa. Even today, the continent remains heavily dependent on imports of finished products, despite its abundant raw material resources. According to several estimates by the World Bank, the share of the manufacturing industry in Africa’s GDP remains relatively low, averaging around 11 to 13%, a level considered insufficient to support a deep structural transformation of the economy.
“For an economy to prosper, it is essential to identify the factors that drive up production costs. One of them, in particular, is transport, especially rail and inland waterway transport.”
Yoweri Museveni, President of the Republic – Uganda
At the same time, Africa accounts for less than 2% of global manufacturing production, far behind other emerging regions, highlighting its still limited position in global value chains. Yet experts believe the potential is enormous. Local processing of raw materials particularly in agro-industry, textiles, and mining could generate greater added value, more skilled jobs, and higher tax revenues compared to the export of raw commodities.
“We have made many mistakes in the past by relying on foreign investors. Foreign investors will not come without the leadership of domestic investors. A domestic investor must therefore take the risk of starting to develop his own continent. You do not have to wait for foreign investors. Foreign investors will only come when the situation is promising and favorable.”
ALIKO DANGOTE, – President of the Dangote Group – Nigéria
Another revealing figure: around 60% of Africa’s workforce is still employed in agriculture or low-productivity sectors, which account for only about 20% of GDP, according to recent economic analyses. In response to this situation, several initiatives are emerging. The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) aims to boost intra-African trade and industrialization. In addition, some countries are investing in industrial zones and local processing chains, particularly in the agri-food and textile sectors.
“This is a crucial moment for Africa, because the Africa of tomorrow will not be shaped by hope alone. It will be shaped by what we build, what we finance, what we connect, what we process, and by the way we choose to do it now. The Africa our children will inherit will not be the one we hope for. It will be the one we intentionally build.”
SAMAILA ZUBAIRU, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) – Nigeria
Despite these constraints, the momentum appears to be underway. Analyses suggest that Africa’s industrial development could accelerate through better integration into global value chains and an upgrading of local production. Beyond economics, the challenge is also strategic: for many observers, Africa’s ability to process its resources locally will determine its economic sovereignty, job creation, and future influence in the global economy.
