Africa can create millions of jobs through value-addition to commodities – Economist

If African countries industrialize, they will grow at high levels and be able to create millions of jobs for continent’s youth, an economist has said.

According to Dr. Emmanuel Nnadozie, Director of Economic Development and NEPAD Division at the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), while Africa seeks to diversify its commodity-focused economies, there are opportunities in industrializing on the basis of its commodities as well.

“If Africa is exporting huge amounts of commodities, it is time to make more out of them by adding value, instead of exporting them in raw form,” he said during the commemoration of Africa Industrialization Day in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

He urged  the creation of linkages in value chains. “Creating linkages in the value chain is where the good jobs lie and we can get the benefits that lie therein,” he said, adding that, “transforming enclave-economies linked to the industrial commodities, such as iron and copper by establishing forward and backward linkages offers opportunities for mining or transportation suppliers to be sourced within these communities. This creates jobs and can be a ‘source of industrialization.’”

By Emmanuel K. Dogbevi