African leaders around the world have gathered in Accra, Ghana with the aim of finding solutions to Africa's economic transformational needs through dialogue.

Speaking under the theme, "Convene, Strategize, Transform ", K.Y. Amoako, founding President, ACET highlighted some key points in the Pan-African Coalition for Transformation (PACT) which includes Resource Mobilization and Management, Agriculture, Skills Development and Youth Training, Extractive and Manufacturing to kick start the forum.

He pointed out that, "Africa's transformation must push Africa forward with strong partnerships leading to strong governments". This he said is one of the many ways Africa's economic misfortunes can transform.

Similarly, as Agriculture is a key contributer to the GDP of most African economies, K.Y Amoako says support from major world partners like the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the World Bank and the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) have been very crucial especially in the last year during the launch of the African Transformation Report 2017.

Key recommendations on Agriculture contained in the report put together by experts from ACET include Securing Land Tenure and Access to Land, Boosting Productivity on Farms, Commercializing African Agriculture, Feeding Africa, Adding Value and Spurring Agro-based Industrialization, Leveraging Agriculture for employment, Ensuring gender balance in Agricultural Transformation as well as Harmonizing Agricultural Intensification, environmental sustainability, and Climate Change.

Several other interventions according to Mr. Amoako have come in to enhance the economic fortunes of the continent including one on Job Creation through the support of the African Development Bank on a study that examines the future of work in Africa and another one with Mastercard Foundation on their recent flagship programs code named, "Young Africa Works Strategy", which is targeted at finding solutions to the youth employment challenge.

The second day of the conference is expected to see a major conversation between Africa's Head of States and Private Sector CEOs during a plenary section.

Author: Malise Otoo