Veep Addresses AGORA 2025 Conference, Urges Symmetry in Global Trade

Palermo: Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang has addressed the Africa Growth and Opportunity: Research in Action (AGORA) 2025 Conference in Palermo, Italy, urging symmetry in trade between Africa and the rest of the world. The conference aimed to tackle the continent's urgent priorities such as job creation and growth by bringing together policymakers, private sectors, and think tanks from Africa and Europe. According to Ghana News Agency, the AGORA 2025 Conference was co-hosted by the World Bank Group Institute for Economic Development, the Bank of Italy, Italy's Ministry of Economy and Finance, and various African partners. The initiative serves as a platform to convert evidence into actionable policies and build partnerships that generate tangible results. Vice President Prof Opoku-Agyemang emphasized that Africa's economic narrative is evolving, highlighting the continent's shift from exporting raw materials to showcasing resilience. Prof Opoku-Agyemang stressed the importance of evolving partnerships from mere assistance to achieving shared prosperity. She called for Africa and Europe to work as equals in investing in innovation, transferring technology, and creating mutual benefits for both continents. The Mattei Plan of Italy and the AGORA framework of the World Bank were cited as avenues to convert vision into ventures. Ghana's readiness to partner in creating a future with abundant, inclusive, and decent jobs was emphasized by the Vice President. She highlighted the significance of employment in economic development, drawing parallels with historical economic crises and the institutional responses they generated. In Ghana, initiatives such as the Ghana Education Trust Fund and the National Health Insurance Scheme were cited as examples of turning challenges into opportunities. The Vice President articulated the government's commitment to a 24-Hour Economy, emphasizing that progress should be relentless to ensure opportunities reach every community. She invited investors and partners to engage with Ghana, not just in business, but in building a future together. Prof Opoku-Agyemang highlighted the dynamic energy of the youth, leadership of women, and the government's vision as driving forces for national progress.