Mahama urges African countries to finance their own security priorities

Story by: Regina Bless

President John Dramani Mahama has called on African countries to take greater responsibility for financing their security priorities, tackling illicit financial flows and developing indigenous technological capacity to address the continent’s challenges.

He made the call on October 24, 2026, at the 12th Tana High-Level Forum on Security in Africa in Bahir Dar, Ethiopia.

President Mahama stressed the need for African nations to move towards greater self-reliance by mobilising domestic resources to fund peace and security operations instead of depending heavily on external financial support.

He highlighted the African Union Peace Fund as an important mechanism through which African countries can contribute to financing peace operations and other security-related interventions across the continent.

The President also called for stronger measures to tackle illicit financial flows, which involve money being illegally transferred out of countries. Such practices can deprive governments of revenue needed to fund essential public services, infrastructure and security initiatives.

Additionally, he emphasised the importance of strengthening Africa’s indigenous technological capacity to enable countries to develop and deploy their own solutions to security threats.

According to President Mahama, greater investment in local expertise, technology and financial resources would help African countries respond more effectively to conflicts and emerging security challenges.

His remarks form part of broader calls for African ownership of the continent’s peace, security and development agenda.

The forum brought together leaders and stakeholders to discuss security challenges facing Africa and explore strategies for promoting sustainable peace, regional cooperation and long-term stability.