The High Commissioner of Ghana to the United Kingdom, H.E. Mrs Sabah Zita Benson, has called for stronger collaboration between academia, policymakers, industry, development partners and the African diaspora to advance sustainable development across the continent.

Speaking at the 3rd International Conference on African Development (iCAD 2026) hosted at Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, under the theme “Green Transitions and Inclusive Industrialisation in Africa: Theory to Policy and Practice,” the High Commissioner underscored the importance of translating research and ideas into practical policies and measurable outcomes that improve lives across Africa.

Addressing an audience of distinguished policymakers, academics, industry leaders, development practitioners, students and researchers, Mrs Benson commended the Ghana Scholarly Society Worldwide for establishing iCAD as a respected platform for intellectual exchange, policy dialogue and development-oriented collaboration.

“The conversation Africa needs today is one that is shaped by Africans and friends of Africa, grounded in research, experience, partnership and practical commitment,” she stated.

Aligning Policy, Investment and Innovation

Reflecting on Africa’s development journey, the High Commissioner noted that the continent’s challenge has never been a lack of talent, creativity or ambition. Rather, she emphasised the need for stronger alignment between policy, infrastructure, financing, technology and effective implementation.

She described green transition not merely as an environmental imperative but as a broader economic transformation agenda encompassing energy, agriculture, transport, manufacturing, education, technology and skills development.

According to Mrs Benson, Africa’s industrialisation efforts must move beyond increasing production to creating quality jobs, strengthening domestic capabilities, expanding regional value chains and ensuring equitable participation of women and young people.

“Africa must not be positioned merely as a supplier of raw materials for the green economies of others. We must be active participants, innovators, manufacturers, financiers, researchers and policy shapers in the global green economy.”

The Critical Role of Universities and Research

The High Commissioner highlighted the central role of universities in driving sustainable development, stressing that institutions of higher learning must produce not only graduates but also problem-solvers capable of addressing complex development challenges.

She called for stronger collaboration between governments, academia, industry and civil society to ensure that research is translated into practical solutions and evidence-based policymaking.

“Research must not end only in journal articles,” she remarked. “It must also inform legislation, regulation, public investment, business strategy and community action.”

Mrs Benson praised iCAD’s interdisciplinary approach, noting that Africa’s development challenges require contributions from economists, engineers, social scientists, policymakers, entrepreneurs and practitioners working together toward shared goals.

Strengthening Ghana–UK Partnerships

The High Commissioner’s address also highlighted the enduring ties between Ghana and the United Kingdom, describing them as foundations for future collaboration in innovation, trade, investment, skills development and research partnerships.

She emphasised the importance of leveraging the expertise and networks of the Ghanaian diaspora, describing Ghanaian professionals, academics and entrepreneurs abroad as one of the country’s greatest assets.

The High Commissioner advocated stronger partnerships between universities in Ghana and those overseas, greater collaboration among researchers at home and in the diaspora, more student exchanges and increased industry-led research initiatives.

Financing Africa’s Green Industrial Future

Addressing the issue of development financing, Mrs Benson stressed that ambitious visions require sustainable investment.

She pointed out that Africa’s green industrial future will depend on significant investments in infrastructure, clean energy, technology, transport, agriculture, digital systems and research capacity. While recognising the importance of public funding, she called for stronger public-private partnerships, innovative financing mechanisms, diaspora investment and enhanced domestic resource mobilisation.

However, she cautioned that finance alone would not deliver results without strong governance, transparent institutions and accountable leadership.

“A transition that creates opportunity for some while leaving others behind cannot be considered inclusive,” she noted, urging policymakers to ensure that industrialisation is anchored in social justice and equitable growth.

A Call to Young Leaders and Scholars

In a strong message to students and emerging scholars, Mrs Benson encouraged young Africans to view themselves not merely as observers of development but as active contributors to the continent’s future.

She urged them to pursue excellence in research, build meaningful networks, remain ethically grounded and stay connected to the real needs of society.

“Africa’s development future is not something you must wait to inherit,” she said. “It is something you must help shape now.”

Commitment to Partnership

Reaffirming the Ghana High Commission’s commitment to knowledge-based partnerships, Mrs Benson pledged continued collaboration with the Ghana Scholarly Society and other stakeholders dedicated to strengthening engagement between Ghana, the diaspora, academic institutions, industry and development partners.

She acknowledged the positive impact of the Society’s professional training programmes and reiterated the value of partnerships that contribute to Ghana’s development priorities and Africa’s sustainable transformation.

The High Commissioner concluded by congratulating the organisers, sponsors and partners whose support made iCAD 2026 possible, expressing confidence that the conference would help move important ideas from theory to policy and from policy to practice.

“May iCAD 2026 be remembered not only as a successful conference but as a platform that helped move important ideas from theory to policy and from policy to practice.”

Source: Speech delivered by H.E. Mrs Sabah Zita Benson, High Commissioner of Ghana to the United Kingdom, at the International Conference on African Development (iCAD 2026), Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, United Kingdom, 18 June 2026.