Climate crises, firm wars devastating Africa—Sir Sam Jonah – Life Pulse Daily

Climate Crises and Trade Wars: Africa’s Urgent Wake-Up Call

Africa stands at a critical crossroads, facing a convergence of global crises that threaten to derail decades of progress. According to Sir Sam Jonah, speaking at the Africa Trade Summit 2026, the continent is experiencing unprecedented challenges from climate change, trade wars, and mounting debt pressures that could overwhelm economies across the region.

The Perfect Storm: Multiple Crises Converge on Africa

Sir Sam Jonah, former CEO of AngloGold Ashanti, delivered a sobering assessment of Africa’s current predicament during the summit. He described how climate crises—fueled by global inaction—are devastating African agriculture and communities, while supply chains have transformed from bridges of opportunity into battlegrounds in corporate wars that leave Africa as collateral damage.

The situation is compounded by rising debt burdens from these shocks, with investments fleeing amid volatility. Perhaps most concerning, Africa’s youth—described as “our greatest asset”—are watching opportunities evaporate before their eyes.

Breaking Down the Global Order

Sir Sam referenced recent warnings from Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney at the World Economic Forum in Davos, who declared the end of the “great narrative” of a rules-based global order. According to Sir Sam, Carney’s words cut to the bone: “The world is in ‘rupture, not transition.’ Institutions like the WTO and UN are crumbling as great powers exploit vulnerabilities.”

This breakdown of international institutions creates an adversarial environment that makes industrialization essential for Africa’s survival and prosperity. The veteran industrialist emphasized that “the new world isn’t looming—it’s here, crashing upon our shores with unrelenting force.”

The Impact of Protectionism and Global Power Plays

Sir Sam specifically highlighted U.S. protectionism, noting how aggressive trade policies and tariffs are disrupting African exports and inflating costs for the continent. He also warned about China’s expanding influence, explaining that while China “offers partnerships but demands dependencies that bind us tighter to external whims.”

These global power dynamics create a challenging environment where African nations must navigate between competing interests while protecting their own economic sovereignty.

Africa’s Response: Industrialisation and Self-Reliance

Despite these challenges, Sir Sam’s message was not one of despair but of empowerment. He called on African countries to form coalitions and assert more control over their economic future. “Africa, with our 1.4 billion people, vast resources, and young dynamism, is no weakling. We are the rising force that can redefine the table—or risk being served upon it,” he declared.

The industrialist outlined specific priorities for African governments:

– Beneficiating minerals on African soil
– Processing agriculture into international brands
– Manufacturing pharmaceuticals to secure health sovereignty
– Rejecting exploitation disguised as aid
– Leveraging Africa’s collective weight to negotiate from positions of strength

“We must demand fair terms in every deal,” Sir Sam instructed the audience at the Accra International Conference Centre.

The Path Forward: Practical Mechanisms for Change

Sir Sam’s address set the tone for the two-day summit, which focuses on practical mechanisms for financing Africa’s industrial transformation. The event, organized by the African Trade Chamber, has convened entrepreneur ministers, development leaders, and multinational institutions to discuss actionable strategies for building industrial value chains across the continent.

The summit represents a crucial opportunity for African leaders to move beyond rhetoric and implement concrete solutions that address the continent’s most pressing challenges.

Why This Matters for Africa’s Future

The convergence of climate crises, trade wars, and debt pressures represents more than just economic challenges—it threatens the very foundation of Africa’s development trajectory. Without decisive action, the continent risks being caught in a cycle of dependency and vulnerability that could take generations to overcome.

However, Sir Sam’s message offers a path forward. By focusing on industrialization, value addition, and collective action, African nations can transform these challenges into opportunities for growth and self-determination.

The time for action is now. As global institutions crumble and external pressures mount, Africa must seize control of its destiny through strategic planning, regional cooperation, and unwavering commitment to economic sovereignty.

This moment represents both a crisis and an opportunity. The question is whether African leaders will rise to the challenge and chart a new course for the continent’s future.

Sources:
– Africa Trade Summit 2026 proceedings
– World Economic Forum 2026 Davos meeting
– Statements from Sir Sam Jonah, former CEO of AngloGold Ashanti
– Remarks by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney

Note: This article represents the views expressed by Sir Sam Jonah at the Africa Trade Summit 2026 and does not necessarily reflect the views of Multimedia Group Limited or other organizations mentioned.