‘Africa Does Not Seek Charity’ – Mahama Demands Equal Partnership at UN

President John Dramani Mahama has called for a major rethink of how Africa’s development is financed, arguing that the continent needs equitable partnerships rather than charitable assistance from the international community.

Addressing the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York on Thursday, September 24, 2026, President Mahama said African countries require long-term, affordable and accessible financing to drive sustainable development.

He said such financing would enable countries to invest in human capital, industrialisation and climate adaptation, stressing that Africa’s development challenges cannot be resolved through short-term assistance.

“We demand reform. We need long-term, affordable, and accessible concessionary financing that enables developing economies to invest in human capital, industrialisation, and climate adaptation,” he said.

President Mahama further urged the international community to engage Africa as an equal partner in global development rather than primarily as a recipient of aid.

“Africa does not seek charity. Africa seeks equal partnership anchored in mutual respect,” he stated.

The President also highlighted the continent’s resources and demographic potential, arguing that these assets make Africa an important partner in addressing emerging global challenges.

He pointed to Africa’s youthful population, extensive arable land, cultural resources and critical mineral deposits, which he said are increasingly important to the global transition towards clean energy.

“Our continent possesses the world’s youngest population, vast arable land, unparalleled cultural vitality, and the critical minerals required to drive the global green energy transition,” President Mahama said.

His remarks come amid broader calls from developing countries for reforms to the international financial system and greater access to affordable development financing.

President Mahama maintained that improving access to concessional funding would be crucial for developing economies seeking to strengthen human capital, expand industrial capacity and build resilience against the growing impacts of climate change.