Vice President Lucia Witbooi has called on African countries to strengthen economic cooperation and reduce dependence on external markets, saying Africa must take greater control over its own development and industrialisation.

Speaking at the Namibia-Kenya Business Forum in Nairobi, Kenya, Witbooi said African economies have for too long exported raw materials while importing finished products, despite the continent's vast economic potential.

She added that it is time for Africa to strengthen economic cooperation and shape its own development trajectory, noting that the continent has operated in fragmented markets despite the immense potential that exists. 

Africa, Witbooi says, should now redefine its own economic model, particularly through the African Continental Free Trade Area.

"The African Continental Free Trade Area offers us an unprecedented opportunity to transform Africa into an integrated market driven by industrialisation, innovation, value addition, and intra-African trade. However, agreements alone will not transform our economies. Transformation requires deliberate partnerships between governments and the private sector. It requires investment in productive sectors. It requires African businesses to collaborate, innovate, and expand across borders. This is why forums such as this one are critically important."

The Vice President said Africa's future prosperity must increasingly be driven by African production, African entrepreneurship and African partnerships rather than relying solely on external solutions.

Witbooi also stressed that economic growth should not only be measured through trade and investment figures but also by the jobs created, industries developed and opportunities provided to young people, women and entrepreneurs.

She further highlighted Africa's youthful population as a major opportunity for innovation and industrial transformation if properly empowered through skills development and digital transformation.