Looking at Africa Only Through Yesterday’s Problems Will Be a Great Error- Asantehene
The Monarch of the Asante Kingdom, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has warned global investors and policy architects that continuing to view Africa solely through the lens of past deficits will be a defining economic misstep.
Speaking at the Africa Business Investment Summit in Washington, D.C., on August 27, 2026, he explained that focusing exclusively on past struggles blinds the international community to the massive commercial transformations unfolding across the continent today.
In his remarks, the Custodian of the Golden Stool directly confronted the outdated narrative that frames Africa primarily by what it lacks.
“For too long, Africa has been described in terms of its deficit. We are told of the roads not built, electricity not generated, the jobs not created, the capital not available and the institutions not strong enough,” he stated.
His Majesty acknowledged that while structural deficits exist and demand dedicated leadership, continuously dwelling on them creates a skewed perspective that hides unprecedented market opportunities.
“The great error will be to continue to look at Africa only through yesterday’s problems while ignoring tomorrow’s opportunities,” he emphasised, urging global stakeholders to recognise the immense value generated by Africa’s young population, expanding cities, fertile lands, natural resources, and rapid technological innovation.
The King of the Asante Kingdom reminded the assembly that history consistently rewards those who recognise major economic shifts early, drawing comparisons to early visionaries who capitalised on Asia’s economic rise and the initial wave of the digital revolution.
Story by Hajara Fuseini
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