Former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has warned that Africa’s limited industrial capacity is fast becoming more than an economic problem, describing it as a growing threat to job creation, social stability and security across the continent.
Jonathan made this known while delivering the graduation lecture for National Defence College Course 34, titled “Harnessing Industrial Capacity for Inclusive Growth and Regional Stability in Africa.”
He noted that with millions of young Africans entering the labour market annually, the continent’s inability to build strong industries was placing enormous pressure on economies already struggling to absorb new workers.
The former president traced the roots of global industrial transformation to the late 18th century, saying the world has since witnessed remarkable advances in industry, technology and economic development. Africa, he said, has continued to lag, with its weak industrial base holding back growth, job creation and overall development.
According to Jonathan, Africa’s industrial deficit has evolved beyond a purely economic issue to become a strategic security concern. He explained that widespread unemployment and limited economic opportunities are creating conditions ripe for violent extremism, organised crime and irregular migration.
He stressed that without competitive industries capable of generating jobs, building local capacity and expanding economic opportunities, efforts to achieve lasting peace, regional stability and inclusive growth across Africa would remain severely constrained.
