“AFRICA MUST PUT AFRICA FIRST” — TINUBU SENDS STRONG MESSAGE AT AFRICA CEO FORUM IN RWANDA

“AFRICA MUST PUT AFRICA FIRST” — TINUBU SENDS STRONG MESSAGE AT AFRICA CEO FORUM IN RWANDA


President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called for stronger economic collaboration among African nations, urging leaders across the continent to prioritise intra-African trade, investment, and partnerships as a pathway to sustainable prosperity.

Speaking during the Presidential Panel at the Africa CEO Forum held in Kigali, Rwanda, on Thursday evening, President Tinubu stressed that Africa’s growth and economic transformation cannot depend primarily on external support or foreign markets.

According to the Nigerian leader, African countries must begin to intentionally invest in one another, strengthen regional trade relationships, and create systems that allow businesses to expand seamlessly across borders within the continent.

“Our continent cannot build scale by looking outward first. We must invest in one another, trade more with one another, and build the corridors that connect our markets,” Tinubu stated.

The President noted that Africa’s youthful population and growing innovation sector remain major assets that require stronger institutional support and investment. He added that African governments must create an environment where local businesses can thrive confidently beyond their domestic markets.

Tinubu further explained that Nigeria’s ongoing economic reforms are designed not only to address existing economic challenges but also to position the country as a leading force in Africa’s future economy.

He highlighted key areas capable of accelerating continental development, including the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), digital commerce, shared infrastructure, logistics networks, commodities exchange systems, and stronger partnerships with the private sector.

“With AfCFTA, digital trade, shared infrastructure, stronger logistics, commodities exchange, and deeper private sector partnerships, we can turn Africa’s population and resources into real continental prosperity,” he said.

The President also called for reforms in the global financial and risk architecture, arguing that international systems should better reflect Africa’s unique realities and economic contexts.

Tinubu used the occasion to commend Rwandan President Paul Kagame for hosting the forum and for Rwanda’s development strides, describing the country as an example of discipline, clarity, and effective governance on the continent.

“I thank my brother, President Paul Kagame, for his warm hospitality and for Rwanda’s continued leadership in showing what discipline, clarity and execution can do for development,” Tinubu stated.

Reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to continental cooperation, the President said the country would continue to strengthen ties with Rwanda and other African nations in pursuit of economic integration and shared prosperity.

He concluded by urging African nations to take ownership of the continent’s future through unity, productivity, and collective determination.

“Africa’s future will not be handed to us. We must build it, own it, and defend it together,” Tinubu declared.

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