Sheikh Al-Moustapha Kouyateh Pushes Pan-African Agenda, Calls for Industrialised and Sovereign Africa

  Sheikh Al-Moustapha Kouyateh Pushes Pan-African Agenda, Calls for Industrialised and Sovereign Africa

By Auwal Ahmad

Sheikh Al-Moustapha Kouyateh, widely known as “Farafina Mansa,” has renewed his call for a united, economically independent and industrialised Africa, urging African nations to prioritise local value addition, accountable leadership and reconciliation as the foundation for sustainable development.

The prominent Pan-African advocate, who previously served as Liberia’s Ambassador-at-Large, High Representative for Special Missions and Special Envoy to the President, has built his public profile around a vision that seeks to transform Africa from a supplier of raw materials into a continent driven by manufacturing, innovation and economic self-reliance.

Speaking through his long-standing advocacy, Kouyateh argues that Africa’s vast natural resources should serve as a catalyst for prosperity on the continent rather than enriching foreign economies.

“Africa must control its own destiny by processing its resources locally, creating industries, jobs and wealth for its people,” Kouyateh has consistently maintained in articulating his development philosophy.

At the centre of Kouyateh’s agenda are four principles he describes as essential for Africa’s future: reconciliation, empowerment, accountability and development.

According to him, lasting peace and national cohesion are prerequisites for political stability and economic progress. He believes African countries must first address internal divisions before pursuing broader continental integration.

He also advocates empowering Africans to take greater control of their economies through industrial growth and local ownership of strategic sectors, while insisting that public officials must remain accountable for the management of national resources.

For Kouyateh, development should ultimately translate into improved living standards for ordinary citizens rather than benefiting only political or business elites.

One of the concepts closely associated with Kouyateh’s advocacy is what he calls “Dangotization”—an economic model that encourages African countries to process their raw materials locally instead of exporting them in their unprocessed form.

The idea, inspired by Africa’s growing industrial capacity, promotes investment in manufacturing, value addition and domestic industries capable of generating employment and strengthening economic sovereignty across the continent.

Supporters of the approach argue that it could reduce Africa’s dependence on imported finished goods while increasing revenue from its abundant natural resources.

Kouyateh served for more than two years in Liberia’s government as Ambassador-at-Large and Special Envoy, during which he said he declined remuneration attached to the office.

He explained that the decision reflected an earlier pledge made during his 2014 Senate campaign in Montserrado County to dedicate much of his income to public-interest causes, including education, healthcare and governance reforms.

During his tenure, however, Kouyateh became an outspoken critic of the management of Liberia’s natural resources, arguing that concession agreements involving key mineral assets delivered insufficient benefits to Liberians.

He also raised concerns about transparency in contracts involving major international mining companies, including references to agreements with ArcelorMittal.

His remarks generated political debate and drew criticism from sections of Liberia’s political establishment. After declining calls by lawmakers to retract some of his statements and apologise publicly, he eventually left office following a vote of no confidence.

Following his exit from government, Kouyateh intensified his Pan-African activities through the establishment of the African People’s Movement (APM), an organisation that promotes African unity, economic independence and responsible governance.

The movement is described by its promoters as one inspired by leading Pan-African thinkers, including Professor PLO Lumumba, and seeks to advance policies that encourage continental integration beyond national and ethnic boundaries.

Its vision centres on an Africa capable of transforming its own resources, strengthening regional cooperation and ensuring that economic growth directly benefits African citizens.

Kouyateh continues to advocate for deeper cooperation among African nations, arguing that sustainable prosperity depends on industrialisation, responsible leadership and stronger economic integration.

His message consistently emphasises reconciliation among peoples, economic empowerment, transparency in governance and development that creates opportunities for future generations.

For many supporters, the man known as “Farafina Mansa” remains one of the contemporary voices championing an Africa that is politically sovereign, economically resilient and firmly in control of its own development path.