Dr Farzam Kamalabadi, Chairman of the Future Trends Group, has unveiled an ambitious plan to drive Africa’s economic transformation through local wealth activation and strategic partnerships. Speaking to Info Radio during his visit to the Upper West Region, Dr Kamalabadi highlighted Africa's immense economic potential and called for a shift from dependency on foreign aid to self-sufficiency and wealth creation from within.
Upon his arrival in Wa, Dr. Kamalabadi expressed his surprise at the level of infrastructure and economic activity in the region.
“The airport was clean and organized, and the roads were well-developed, even better than some parts of Accra,” he remarked.
He noted the presence of major financial institutions such as the Ghana Investment Bank and international brands, reflecting a bustling and modern economy.
Dr. Kamalabadi introduced the work of the Future Trends Group, a global investment and development organization active in 180 countries, with a history of facilitating over $35 billion in enterprise and financial transactions.
He emphasized that the group's focus is not just on business but on nation-building through strategic policy, legislative support, and economic empowerment.
“Our goal is to shift Africa from a mindset of dependency to one of self-reliance,” Dr. Kamalabadi said. “Africa has long subsidized the wealth of Europe, America, and even China. Now it’s time for Africa to build its own wealth and become a net contributor to the global economy.”
He outlined a strategy to harness Africa’s internal wealth by empowering local entrepreneurs and encouraging domestic economic activity. This includes fostering agricultural and industrial production, supporting local businesses, and creating financial systems that allow African nations to issue foreign debt to other continents.
“Africa is not a beggar,” he stated. “Africa has been the giver for centuries. Now it’s time to build the wealth internally so that Africa becomes the lender, not the borrower.”
Dr. Kamalabadi’s visit included courtesy calls to the Upper West Regional Minister, Lawyer Charles Lwanga Puozuing, and the Regional House of Chiefs, where he received enthusiastic support for his vision.
The minister welcomed Dr Farzam’s vision, describing it as a crucial step toward sustainable development in the region. He highlighted the need for a collaborative approach to transforming the economic and social landscape, emphasizing that local institutions and businesses must adopt a business-minded approach rather than relying on government support.
“We must empower our people, give them the opportunity to think outside the box, so that nobody is waiting for an auditorium to be built by the government,” the minister stated.
He identified agriculture as a key driver of economic transformation, pointing to communities such as Niator in the Sissala West area as untapped hubs for large-scale agricultural production.
He stressed that with proper investment and strategic partnerships, the Upper West Region could become a major food basket for Ghana and beyond.
“We aim to empower the local population to generate wealth through their own creativity and resources,” Dr. Kamalabadi explained.
“We want to activate the domestic economy so that farmers, entrepreneurs, and small businesses can thrive without relying on government handouts or foreign aid.”
The Future Trends Group plans to establish partnerships with local industries in agriculture, mining, and processing. The goal is to connect these businesses with global markets and introduce modern technology and investment while maintaining local ownership and control.
Dr. Kamalabadi underscored the importance of Ghana in this broader African transformation. He referenced Ghana’s historical significance as the starting point of colonial exploitation and argued that it should now become the birthplace of Africa’s economic renaissance.
“If the exploitation of Africa began in Ghana, the healing and rise of Africa should also start in Ghana,” he asserted.
“By empowering the people of Ghana to create wealth, we can trigger a domino effect that will inspire the entire continent.”
The Future Trends Group aims to implement the first phase of its plan within the next two to three years. Dr Kamalabadi outlined a strategy to establish study centres and knowledge bases that will train local entrepreneurs and business leaders. He also emphasized the need to reduce borrowing costs, promote cooperative financial models, and encourage domestic production.
“We want to see significant results within the current presidential term,” he said. “Our goal is to shift the economy from aid dependency to self-sufficiency and global competitiveness.”
Kuoro Baracheh Nlowie Baninye II, the chief of Niator in the Sissala West District, who facilitated the visit of Dr Kamalabadi to the region urged the people of the Upper West Region to unite and take charge of their development through strategic partnerships and investments.
The traditional ruler highlighted the untapped potential of the region’s human and natural resources, emphasizing that the key to progress lies in harnessing human capital.
"Natural resources alone don't bring development — it's the human resources that can turn them into benefits for the people," Niator Kuoro asserted. He stressed that as custodians of the land, traditional rulers have to ensure their people not only survive but thrive.
Kuoro Baninye II revealed that his tireless efforts to attract investors are beginning to bear fruit, with several international partners expressing interest in the region.
"That’s why you’ve seen Farzam here — and more are coming next month to explore opportunities," he announced.