Former President, Goodluck Jonathan on Monday stated that Africa needed industrial capacity to tackle challenges such as unemployment, underdevelopment and insecurity
Jonathan stated this while delivering the graduation lecture for National Defence College Course 34, titled “Harnessing Industrial Capacity for Inclusive Growth and Regional Stability in Africa.”
According to the former president,since the beginning of the industrial revolution in the late 18th century, the world has witnessed remarkable transformations in industry, technology and economic development.
Africa, however, has struggled to keep pace, with its weak industrial base continuing to limit economic growth, job creation and development.
He noted that africa’s industrial deficit has gone beyond an economic challenge to become a strategic security concern.
Jonathan further stated that unemployment and limited economic opportunities are creating conditions that can fuel violent extremism, organised crime and irregular migration.
He stressed that without competitive industries capable of creating jobs, developing local capacity and expanding economic opportunities, efforts to achieve lasting peace, regional stability and inclusive growth across africa will remain severely constrained.
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