Dr. Joseph Siaw Agyepong Urges African Leaders to Harness Local Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Circular Economy Opportunities
The Executive Chairman of Jospong Group of Companies, Dr. Joseph Siaw Agyepong, has called on African leaders, entrepreneurs, and investors to champion homegrown solutions to accelerate the continent’s development rather than relying heavily on external support.
Speaking at the opening of the Africa Forward Summit 2026 at the University of Nairobi in Kenya, Dr. Agyepong emphasized that Africa possesses the natural resources, human capital, and entrepreneurial potential needed to solve its own challenges and drive sustainable economic growth.
“Our mission must be to build African industries that solve African problems,” he stated, urging leaders to unite behind a shared vision for economic transformation and self-reliance.
Africa Must Harness Its Resources and Build Its Own Industries
Addressing delegates from across Africa and Europe, Dr. Agyepong challenged prevailing financial structures that make it difficult for African businesses to access capital without restrictive conditions.
“Why should Africa export her problems when she can build industries to solve them? Why does Africa not have access to capital markets without tough conditions and restrictions? And why has Africa not yet fully utilized the wealth of natural resources and human capital available to her?” he asked.
According to Dr. Agyepong, these questions have shaped his entrepreneurial journey and continue to guide Jospong Group’s expansion across the continent.
Africa Forward Summit 2026 Brings Together Global Leaders
The two-day summit, held from May 11–12, 2026, was co-hosted by Kenyan President William Ruto and French President Emmanuel Macron. It marked the first Africa-France summit co-chaired with an English-speaking African nation.
Under the theme, “To Build Together,” the summit focused on seven strategic pillars, including energy transition, artificial intelligence, blue economy development, entrepreneurship, and reform of the global financial system.
The event brought together government leaders, development finance institutions, business executives, technology innovators, and youth representatives to discuss Africa’s future growth agenda.
From a $3 Investment to a Multibillion-Dollar African Enterprise
Sharing his personal story, Dr. Agyepong recounted his humble beginnings as a street hawker, growing up in a large family of sixteen siblings and overcoming significant financial challenges.
“My initial capital of three dollars from my mother launched me into entrepreneurship and taught me resilience and determination,” he said.
Today, Jospong Group has grown into a $1.9 billion asset-based enterprise with 82 independent subsidiaries operating across nine business sectors in 29 countries. The Group employs more than 10,000 people directly and supports over 250,000 indirect jobs across Africa.
Waste Management: Africa’s Next Economic Frontier
Focusing on the summit’s entrepreneurship and sustainability agenda, Dr. Agyepong highlighted the vast economic opportunities within Africa’s waste management sector.
Global municipal solid waste generation currently exceeds 2.1 billion tonnes annually and is projected to reach 3.8 billion tonnes by 2050. Sub-Saharan Africa generates more than 174 million tonnes of waste each year, yet less than four percent is properly managed or recycled.
“Every tonne of unmanaged waste in Africa is not a failure. It is an unmined resource waiting for the entrepreneur bold enough to claim it,” he said.
Dr. Agyepong explained that Jospong Group has spent more than two decades developing waste management infrastructure and expertise across the continent. The company currently operates 40 treatment plants covering material recovery, liquid waste treatment, medical waste processing, and hazardous waste management, making it one of Africa’s largest waste management operators.
A Call for Greater Investment in Africa’s Circular Economy
Dr. Agyepong urged investors and financial institutions to rethink traditional approaches to risk assessment when evaluating African businesses.
He argued that long-term investments in Africa’s circular economy offer sustainable returns, particularly in sectors such as waste management where demand continues to grow.
“Investing in Africa’s waste management industry is not charity. It is a long-term partnership with a continent of opportunity,” he stated.
He also called on institutions including the African Development Bank, International Finance Corporation, development finance agencies, export credit agencies, and private investors to support African-led environmental and circular economy projects.
Empowering Africa’s Youth Through Entrepreneurship
Addressing the continent’s young population, Dr. Agyepong encouraged African youth to take advantage of the opportunities presented by the digital economy, sustainability, and entrepreneurship.
“With Africa’s enormous natural resources, this is your time to rise, innovate, and make an impact,” he said.
Describing young entrepreneurs as Africa’s greatest asset, he challenged them to become founders, innovators, and industry builders capable of leading the next generation of economic transformation.
Jospong Group Commits to Expansion and Green Job Creation
As part of its long-term vision, Dr. Agyepong announced Jospong Group’s commitment to expand its environmental services platform into five additional African markets by 2028.
The company also aims to create 50,000 new green jobs while opening its business models to strategic partnerships and co-investment opportunities across the continent.
“The green economy is not coming to Africa. We are building it. The invitation is open to all who choose to build with us,” he declared.
Building Africa’s Future Through Innovation and Partnership
Concluding his address, Dr. Agyepong urged African leaders, entrepreneurs, investors, and development partners to view the continent’s challenges as opportunities for industrial growth and innovation.
“Africa’s story is being written right now. Future generations will remember this as the moment Africa chose to transform its challenges into industries and opportunities,” he said.
“Waste is not Africa’s shame. Waste is Africa’s next frontier.”
The summit also featured remarks from French President Emmanuel Macron, who called for a renewed partnership between Africa and Europe based on collaboration rather than influence, and Kenyan President William Ruto, who described the gathering as a turning point for stronger international cooperation.
The event brought together the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, nearly 30 CEOs from Africa and France, technology leaders, development partners, and more than 400 youth delegates contributing to the summit’s final declaration.