PeacePro, a conflict prevention and peacebuilding organisation, has urged African leaders to focus on building the continent’s economic, institutional and security capacity to strengthen its position globally.

The group made the call during discussions on the sidelines of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

It said Africa’s challenges could not be addressed solely through political declarations, stressing the need for stronger institutions, sustainable economic systems and greater capacity to respond to security threats.

PeacePro urged African governments to prioritise policies that would expand economic opportunities, strengthen regional cooperation and reduce dependence on external support.

The organisation also called for greater investment in local industries, human capital development and infrastructure as part of efforts to build resilient economies capable of creating jobs and improving living standards.

It said African countries should strengthen existing regional frameworks and pursue practical cooperation that could increase trade, improve security coordination and support sustainable development.

The group further stressed the importance of accountable institutions and effective governance, saying stronger institutions were necessary to translate the continent’s natural and human resources into broad-based development.

PeacePro said Africa’s growing population and abundant resources provided opportunities for economic transformation, but warned that these advantages would have limited impact without coordinated policies and long-term investment.

The organisation called on African leaders to use engagements at the United Nations and other international platforms to advance collective interests and secure partnerships that support the continent’s development priorities.