Former President Goodluck Jonathan has urged Nigerian and African leaders to increase investment in industrialisation and youth development, saying the continent must do more to transform its abundant natural resources into finished products, jobs and sustainable economic growth.
Jonathan made the call on Monday in Abuja while delivering a lecture to graduating participants of Course 34 of the National Defence College. His lecture was titled “Harnessing Industrial Capacity for Inclusive Growth and Regional Stability in Africa.”
The former president said a country’s long-term prosperity and global influence depend not only on the size of its population or the natural resources it possesses, but also on its ability to develop strong industrial capacity.
According to him, industrialisation remains one of the strongest drivers of productivity, innovation and economic growth.
Jonathan expressed concern that Africa, despite accounting for a significant share of the world’s population and possessing vast natural resources, remains the least industrialised region globally.
He noted that many African countries continue to export raw materials while importing finished products, a situation he said limits domestic value addition and slows technological development.
The former president argued that Africa must change this pattern by developing industries capable of processing locally available resources and producing goods for domestic and international markets.
He also linked industrialisation to employment opportunities, particularly for young people.
Jonathan noted that more than 60 per cent of Africa’s population is under the age of 25, creating a large and growing labour force that requires productive employment opportunities.
He warned that inadequate industrial development could worsen unemployment and economic exclusion among young people.
According to him, such conditions can contribute to wider security challenges, including violent extremism, organised crime, piracy, irregular migration, communal conflicts and political instability.
Jonathan therefore called for greater investment in industries that can create jobs while developing the skills and technological capacity of young Africans.
He stressed that economic development and national security are closely connected, arguing that countries cannot achieve lasting stability without creating opportunities for their citizens.
The former president also encouraged African leaders to move beyond dependence on the export of raw materials and focus on value addition.
He said transforming natural resources into finished products would create more employment, strengthen local industries and improve the competitiveness of African economies.
His comments were delivered at a time when governments across the continent are seeking ways to address unemployment, insecurity and economic pressures affecting their populations.
Jonathan’s position also aligns with broader calls for African countries to strengthen local manufacturing, improve infrastructure, develop human capital and attract investments that support industrial growth.
He urged leaders to recognise the continent’s large youth population as an opportunity rather than a challenge, provided the right economic policies and industrial structures are put in place.
The former president maintained that investment in young people, technology and productive industries would help Africa build a stronger and more sustainable economic future.
The call also highlights the importance of cooperation between governments, businesses, investors and educational institutions in developing the industrial capacity required to support long-term growth.
Jonathan’s remarks are expected to add to the ongoing debate about how Nigeria and other African countries can reduce dependence on raw-material exports and build stronger domestic economies.
