Accra: The Group Executive Chairman of the KGL Group of Companies, Alex Apau Dadey, has called for a more deliberate continental effort toward building resilient African enterprises capable of competing globally while sustainably transforming local economies. Speaking before a distinguished gathering of CEOs and policymakers at the 10th Ghana CEO Summit 2026, attended by His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama, Dadey stressed that Africa's next phase of transformation will depend not merely on entrepreneurial ambition but on the continent's ability to intentionally build enduring institutions anchored on bold leadership, institutional discipline, and long-term thinking.
According to Ghana Web, Dadey delivered a thought-provoking address on the theme, 'Raising African Champions: Leadership, Resilience and Industrial Scale, Lessons from Ghana's Business Transformation.' He noted that while Africa has long been recognised as a continent of immense potential, the defining question now is whether African nations are building enduring institutions, industrial capacity, and governance systems capable of transforming that potential into long-term economic influence and global competitiveness. Dadey articulated that potential alone has never transformed any nation, positing that Africa faces a defining choice: either remain a market for the ambitions of others or build enterprises capable of shaping global economic outcomes.
Addressing the realities confronting indigenous enterprises, Dadey observed that while accountability and regulatory compliance remain essential, African businesses must not be treated with suspicion simply because they achieve scale. He argued that no nation industrialises successfully by weakening its own productive capacity or undermining responsible indigenous enterprises. He questioned who would build the continental champions Africa aspires to if countries like Ghana do not protect and nurture their responsible indigenous enterprises.
Further, Dadey described leadership as Africa's 'missing infrastructure,' stressing that industrialisation cannot succeed where leadership fails. He highlighted the necessity for leaders willing to think beyond election cycles, quarterly earnings, and short-term interests toward institution-building and long-term economic transformation.
On the issue of wealth creation and continuity, Dadey underscored the importance of trans-generational enterprise development, noting that much African wealth disappears within one generation because it is consumed rather than institutionalised. He called for stronger governance structures, succession planning, and long-term reinvestment strategies capable of preserving productive capital across generations.
Dadey expressed appreciation to President John Dramani Mahama for his continued advocacy for local ownership, indigenous participation, and the strengthening of Ghanaian enterprise as critical pillars for sustainable national development and economic transformation.
In a major announcement during the summit, Dadey unveiled a strategic partnership between KGL Group and CNBC Africa, which will see the establishment of a CNBC Africa country office in Ghana, hosted by KGL Group. He mentioned that the partnership reflects a shared commitment to amplifying African business stories, strengthening conversations around enterprise and investment, and positioning Ghana more prominently within the global business and economic landscape.
The 10th Ghana CEO Summit 2026 continues to serve as one of Africa's leading platforms for strategic business dialogue, policy engagement and thought leadership focused on industrial transformation, economic growth, and the future of African enterprise.