Nigeria’s President, Bola Tinubu has urged African countries to invest more in the continent and work together economically to strengthen Africa’s position on the global stage.
The Nigerian president made the remarks on Thursday while speaking at the Africa CEO Forum taking place in Rwanda.
Tinubu, who arrived in Rwanda on Wednesday for the annual gathering of business leaders, investors, and policymakers, said Africa must begin matching its ambitions with practical financial commitment.
“For me, Africa needs to put its money where its mouth is. I believe in Africa first,” he said.
The president praised Rwanda’s leadership and the organisers of the forum for creating a platform focused on economic development and investment opportunities across the continent.
“It is very welcoming to see that we are up to it, and I must congratulate my brother, the President of Rwanda, and the organisers for putting this together,” Tinubu stated.
Speaking further on investment and economic reforms, the Nigerian leader stressed that investors are more likely to commit funds in environments where transparency, accountability, and trust exist.
“Investment is very cowardly unless you are transparent, accountable and forthright,” he said.
Tinubu also encouraged African nations to combine their resources and collaborate more effectively in order to negotiate better deals internationally and protect the continent’s economic interests.
“Part of that is Africa looking at itself, putting our resources together so we can go out there and negotiate for ourselves,” he added.
The president also referenced an article he wrote for the Financial Times concerning the role of international rating agencies and their impact on African economies.
