Bio Calls for Africa’s Economic Independence

By Mariama Bundu

Sierra Leone’s President, Dr Julius Maada Bio, has called on African countries to strengthen their productive capacity, develop local industries and negotiate international partnerships from a position of economic strength.

President Bio made the call on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, while delivering the keynote address at the Elevate Africa Convening 2026 in Accra, Ghana, under the theme “Africa: Defining Her Future.”

He said Africa’s political independence must be matched by economic capacity, stressing that the continent should move beyond exporting raw materials and importing finished products.

“Our resources must create industries, jobs and wealth for our people. That is how economic sovereignty becomes a reality,” he said.

The President highlighted Sierra Leone’s Free Quality School Education Programme and the Feed Salone initiative as examples of efforts to invest in human capital, strengthen food security and create opportunities for citizens.

He also called for practical implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), urging African leaders to remove barriers to cross-border trade and enable businesses to access markets across the continent more easily.

On governance, President Bio emphasised the need for accountable leadership, strong institutions, peace and constitutional order. He warned that Africa’s development ambitions would remain difficult to achieve without effective implementation of policies and commitments.

He further urged leaders to create more opportunities for young Africans to participate in decision-making, entrepreneurship and national development.

“Let Accra be remembered for what we began here, not simply for what we said here,” he stated, challenging participants to turn discussions into concrete actions supported by financing and accountability.

Meanwhile, First Lady Fatima Bio, speaking during the opening ceremony, highlighted the importance of empowering women, noting that Africa’s progress depends on creating greater opportunities for women across the continent.