Former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has called for stronger industrial capacity across Africa, warning that the continent’s weak industrial base is increasingly becoming a threat to job creation, social stability and regional security.
Jonathan made the call while delivering the graduation lecture for National Defence College Course 34, titled “Harnessing Industrial Capacity for Inclusive Growth and Regional Stability in Africa.”
He said the industrial revolution, which began in the late 18th century, had transformed economies around the world through advances in industry, technology and production.
However, he noted that Africa has struggled to keep pace with these global transformations, leaving the continent with limited industrial capacity and fewer opportunities for sustainable economic growth.
According to the former president, Africa’s industrial deficit has gone beyond an economic challenge and has become a strategic security concern.
Jonathan explained that millions of young Africans enter the labour market every year, while the continent continues to face limited employment opportunities and weak productive capacity.
He warned that persistent unemployment and economic hardship could create conditions that encourage violent extremism, organised crime and irregular migration.
The former president stressed that economic development and security are closely connected, arguing that governments must strengthen industries capable of creating jobs, developing local skills and expanding opportunities for young people.
He said Africa needs to move beyond dependence on the export of raw materials and develop stronger domestic industries that can process resources, create value and generate employment.
Jonathan further argued that building competitive industries would not only improve economic growth but also strengthen social stability and reduce some of the conditions that contribute to insecurity across the continent.
He maintained that without significant investment in industrialisation, local capacity and employment creation, efforts to achieve lasting peace, regional stability and inclusive growth in Africa would remain severely constrained.
The former president therefore urged African governments, policymakers and development partners to treat industrialisation as both an economic priority and a key component of the continent’s long-term security strategy.
