Adesina Urged African Nations to Prioritize Tech
Manufacturers should prepare for a policy-led shift toward localizing tech and resource processing across Africa.
Updated on Oct. 11, 2026 in Manufacturing
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African Development Bank President Akinwumi Adesina called on nations to prioritize investments in artificial intelligence, robotics, and semiconductors. The push aims to transition the continent from raw material exporting to higher-value indigenous manufacturing.
Why it matters
The strategy seeks to capture more economic value locally while moving businesses away from dependence on foreign innovation. By integrating production networks via the African Continental Free Trade Area, the goal is to shift from resource extraction to global competitiveness.
The Dangote Refinery in Nigeria serves as a benchmark $20 billion industrial project. The scale of required investment in universities and computing infrastructure remains to be defined by national governments.
The players
Akinwumi Adesina
The President of the African Development Bank who directs regional development strategy and investment priorities.
Dangote Refinery
A major Nigerian industrial facility representing a $20 billion capital investment project.
The details
The operational shift involves moving from raw material exports to in-country processing and local production networks. Businesses are encouraged to leverage regional integration frameworks to scale operations beyond local borders. This requires a fundamental change in the supporting infrastructure, including more robust research laboratories and domestic computing capabilities.
Timeline
October 10-11, 2026: Akinwumi Adesina delivered remarks at the BPI Iconic Awards in Johannesburg.
Market Landscape
These recommendations follow the organizational framework established by the African Continental Free Trade Area to better integrate continental production networks. The strategy marks a shift from historical reliance on raw commodity exports toward a model centered on domestic high-tech processing.
Manufacturers operating in the region should monitor for potential subsidies or regulatory incentives targeting local tech development. Future procurement strategies may shift as governments prioritize firms that utilize indigenous computing and cybersecurity infrastructure.
The takeaway
The core insight is that African manufacturing is moving toward an integrated, tech-heavy model to capture value at the source. Operators should monitor updates to regional trade agreements and local industrial policies that could signal new tax or infrastructure incentives.
Further reading
For more on industry shifts, visit the Manufacturing section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Vanguard.
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