Davos, Switzerland, 21st January, 2026- Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio has urged African leaders to shift their mindsets and take bold steps to remove the obstacles hindering trade across the continent.
Speaking during a high-level panel discussion titled “How can Africa prosper in the new world economy?” on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, President Bio called for urgent reforms to unlock Africa’s economic potential. Stressing that political and structural hurdles must be dismantled to allow African nations to trade more freely with one another. “Overcoming these challenges is crucial to enhancing regional integration and building a stronger, interconnected Africa.”
President Bio outlined key priorities for sustainable growth, including investment in human capital, strengthening agriculture and food security, and adding value to Africa’s vast mineral resources. He emphasized that empowering young people through job creation must remain central to development strategies.
“Our youth are the cornerstone of Africa’s future,” he noted. “Creating opportunities for them is not optional—it is essential for sustainable progress.”
His remarks resonated with a growing consensus among African policymakers and business leaders on the need for innovative solutions and collaborative leadership to position the continent competitively in the global economy.
President Bio’s intervention at Davos underscored Sierra Leone’s commitment to regional integration and highlighted Africa’s collective responsibility to build a future where prosperity is shared across borders.
