Addis Ababa, December 8, 2025 (FMC) — Samia Yaba Christina Nkrumah, daughter of Ghana’s first President Kwame Nkrumah, has called on African nations to embrace unity, local empowerment, and self-reliant development to secure lasting prosperity across the continent.
Speaking exclusively to Fana Media Corporation during her visit to Ethiopia’s Grand Renaissance Dam and other major development projects, Nkrumah praised Ethiopia’s achievements as a demonstration of what African nations can accomplish through citizen participation and visionary planning.
“It’s magnificent, it’s a huge, colossal project, and we are so proud of Ethiopia and Ethiopians. Any major project in Africa is a project for all of us. People were donating everything they could to make sure it happens — that shows self-reliance and determination,” she said, highlighting the importance of people-powered development.
She stressed that African countries should pursue continental planning and collaboration, ensuring that infrastructure, industries, and economic initiatives are designed to benefit multiple nations collectively.
“As our father, Kwame Nkrumah, wrote in ‘Africa Must Unite,’ we need to plan our economies and developments on a continental basis. Any good thing that happens to one of us should happen for all of us,” she said.
Nkrumah described Ethiopia’s projects as a modern practice of Pan-Africanism, illustrating how shared ownership, collaboration, and careful planning can deliver benefits beyond national borders.
“Pan-Africanism is not just a concept. This project benefits neighboring countries, like Tanzania, and it shows how unity and collective effort can be turned into tangible development,” she said.
She also linked well-organized infrastructure with peace and stability, noting that involving communities and coordinating labor effectively can minimize conflict and strengthen security.
“Africa’s peace and security are strengthened when projects are organized properly, and everyone has a stake. Shared interests help reduce tensions and promote collaboration,” Nkrumah said.
The Ghanaian leader’s daughter emphasized the importance of indigenous knowledge systems and consensus-building in governance and development.
“We should rely on our indigenous knowledge — in politics, medicine, and development. Consensus-building is key. Even if we speak different languages and have diverse cultures, we can find common ground,” she said.
Nkrumah further highlighted the critical role of Africa’s youth, urging them to continue the mission of the continent’s founders by fighting poverty, unemployment, and underdevelopment.
“This is the youth’s mission today: to unite Africa, build infrastructure, and ensure a prosperous future. Fifty or sixty years ago, our parents fought for liberation. Today, the fight is against poverty and underdevelopment,” she said.
She praised Ethiopia’s broader development vision, noting that projects like the dam, energy initiatives, and industrial ventures are examples of how African countries can leverage local talent and resources to drive growth independently of foreign aid.
“Africa has the resources, the talent, and the vision. Ethiopia is showing the way forward, and other nations can learn and replicate these successes,” she added.
During her visit, Nkrumah toured the dam and received briefings on its design, engineering, and regional impact, observing firsthand how Ethiopia has harnessed citizen participation, strategic planning, and continental cooperation to achieve a landmark development milestone.