By Valentia Tetteh
Founder and General Overseer of Action Chapel International, Archbishop Nicholas Duncan-Williams, has expressed hope for an Africa where citizens can achieve their dreams and aspirations without feeling compelled to leave the continent in search of better opportunities.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 4th African Inter-Parliamentary Conference on Family, Sovereignty and Values in Parliament on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, the renowned cleric called for a development model rooted in Africa’s own values, culture, and realities.
Archbishop Duncan-Williams said Africa’s progress must be guided by principles that serve the interests of its people rather than imported models that may not align with the continent’s unique circumstances.
“I have a dream that in my lifetime Africa will be so developed by principles that work for us, not by principles that work for others, but by principles that work for us, as we look at our culture as individual sovereign countries,” he stated.
The archbishop emphasised the need for African nations to chart their own development paths while preserving their cultural identity and sovereignty.
According to him, the continent possesses the human and natural resources needed to create opportunities for its people and should focus on building systems that enable citizens to thrive within their own countries.
He lamented the growing trend of young Africans risking their lives in search of opportunities abroad, noting that development should make such difficult choices unnecessary.
“I have a dream that no son and no daughter of the continent of Africa will queue for visas to go to any other nation in search of greener pastures,” he said.
Rather, he envisioned an Africa where young people can build successful lives and careers at home.
“Our sons and daughters should work and labour in their own lands and countries, achieve their dreams and goals, fulfil their desires and destinies, succeed, and prosper within their own countries and borders,” Archbishop Duncan-Williams added.
The respected religious leader urged African governments, legislators, traditional authorities, and development partners to prioritise policies that create jobs, strengthen local economies, and empower young people.
He further called for greater collaboration among African nations to promote sustainable development, economic independence, and social progress across the continent.
The 4th African Inter-Parliamentary Conference on Family, Sovereignty and Values has brought together lawmakers, religious leaders, academics, policymakers, and civil society actors from across Africa to discuss issues relating to family values, governance, sovereignty, culture, and development.
Participants are expected to explore strategies for strengthening African institutions and promoting policies that reflect the continent’s values and aspirations while addressing emerging global challenges.
