Newly Appointed APPI Chair Calls for Stronger Political Institutions to Drive Africa’s Future Dev't

Addis Ababa, November 7, 2026 (ENA)— Africa needs capable political institutions, stronger policy expertise and long-term leadership to transform its demographic and natural resource potential into productive power, prosperity and global influence, the newly appointed African Political Parties Initiative (APPI) Chair Johnson Asiedu Nketiah said.

Africa needs capable political institutions, stronger policy expertise and long-term leadership to transform its demographic and natural resource potential into productive power, prosperity and global influence, the newly appointed African Political Parties Initiative (APPI) Chair Johnson Asiedu Nketiah said.

Addressing the inaugural leadership of APPI on the final day of the African Political Parties Summit in Addis Ababa, Nketiah stressed that political parties must go beyond electoral competition and build the knowledge, institutional capacity and leadership required to govern effectively.

“A political party is not merely an organization for winning elections; it is one of the places in which future government is formed,” he noted.

Nketiah emphasized that Africa is entering a period of significant demographic, economic and technological transformation, requiring political institutions capable of responding to emerging challenges and opportunities.

He added that Africa’s population has surpassed 1.5 billion and is projected to approach 2.5 billion by 2050, while between 10 and 12 million young Africans enter the labor market annually against only three million formal jobs being created.

The Chair highlighted the continent’s limited contribution to global manufacturing, energy access challenges and the growing influence of artificial intelligence, strategic minerals and global competition for technology and investment.

Africa must strengthen its productive capacity by utilizing its natural resources to support industrial development, expanding agricultural processing and creating opportunities for young people in science, technology, entrepreneurship and skilled professions, he said.

The APPI Chair further stressed the importance of preparing political parties with professionals and policy institutions capable of understanding industry, agriculture, trade, energy, technology and public finance.

“Electoral victory gives authority. The ability to govern well has to be built before victory comes,” he underscored.

Moreover, he called for political continuity in national development, emphasizing that changes in government should not undermine functioning institutions, accumulated expertise and investments that serve the national interest.

In this regard, Nketiah said APPI Agenda 2040 would provide a common long-term framework for strengthening political institutions, developing leadership capabilities and preparing the next generation of African political leaders.

He further highlighted the need to strengthen party schools, policy institutes, research institutions and systems for preserving institutional knowledge, while ensuring women and young people participate in policy development, resource allocation and decision-making.

The Chair finally emphasized the importance of African political parties engaging with political institutions beyond the continent while contributing their own historical experiences and knowledge to global political discussions.