African Leaders Urged to Act on Global Trade Shifts at Heritage Awards
As global trade dynamics evolve amid rising tensions among major economies, African leaders gathered in Marrakesh, Morocco, over the weekend at the 3rd AfriHeritage Awards and Concert to call for strategic action and unity. The event, held to honour African excellence, also became a platform to address the pressing need for economic resilience across the continent.
WTO Director-General Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala emphasized the urgency for Africa to adapt to global trade changes, particularly in the wake of U.S. tariff hikes on African exports. She encouraged the continent to leverage its vast green energy potential to power industrial growth and seize the opportunities hidden within the crisis. Receiving the African Lifetime Achievement Award, she noted that while over 1.5 billion people globally have been lifted from poverty, Africa still has a long journey ahead.
Former Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama, represented by Hon. Gomashie Abla Dzifa, reaffirmed his belief in African unity, sustainable development, and youth empowerment. Dzifa expressed that the awards celebrate the enduring spirit of African resilience and announced Ghana’s readiness to host the 2026 edition of the event.
Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf, honoured with the African Award for Good Governance, pledged to intensify efforts towards inclusive development, especially in education, healthcare, and support for marginalized communities. He committed to returning to Nigeria with renewed energy to build a nation that works for all.
Uganda’s First Deputy Prime Minister Rebecca Alitwala also received an award for good governance. She shared her belief in leadership based on lasting societal impact rather than personal titles, highlighting the importance of integrity in public service.
Convener of the AfriHeritage Awards and Chairman of Heritage Times HT, Moses Siloko Siasia, used the occasion to challenge Africa to own its narrative. He stressed that the time has come for Africans to recognize and reward their own heroes without foreign validation. Siasia stated that the award is merit-based and celebrates those who have positively impacted the continent, adding that the platform now boasts over 250,000 magazine prints annually and 2.5 million online visitors daily.
Also honoured were prominent figures including Dr. Samuel Ogbuku of the NDDC, Dr. Francess Ann Humplick, Prof. Adesoji O. Adelaja, and Engr. Akinwunmi Akinfemiwa, along with leading institutions such as Standard Bank Group and Nigeria’s Bank of Industry, highlighted the widespread African excellence celebrated at the event.
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