The Executive Chairman of the Jospong Group of Companies, Dr Joseph Siaw Agyepong, has said the development of Africa is hinged on private sector participation in European Union-African relations.

Speaking at an EU-Africa relations event held in Brussels, Belgium on the theme: “European Green Tech as Economic Boost for Africa”, Dr Agyepong said: “Private sector participation in EU-Africa relations is an assured way to foster development on the continent”.

The event was held to address Europe-Africa relations for development and the role the private sector plays in the development process.

“I have been advocating a real, sustainable plan for Africa backed by massive private sector investment,” Dr Agyepong stated.

Using the Jospong Group as an example, Dr Agyepong explained why major investment and confidence in the private sector can generate sufficient growth and, thus, create millions of job opportunities capable of absorbing the many unemployed African youth and, ultimately, reducing the challenge of illegal Africa-Europe migration.

Mr Lukas Mandl, a member of the EU Parliament and member of the Committee on Development, in his address, said the European Development Agenda “are about giving a voice to the whole development community, from world leaders to NGOs, business and industry leaders”, adding: “Addressing inequalities is a necessary step in making our development cooperation more efficient and more meaningful in order not to leave anyone behind.”