Rwandan President Paul Kagame delivered a powerful message of unity and collaboration at the second Africa CEO Forum (AIF) that kicked off in Kigali today.
Addressing over 2,000 participants, including visiting Heads of State, business leaders and government officials, President Kagame emphasized the importance of public-private partnerships in tackling Africa’s challenges.
“The challenges of the pandemic, climate change, have taught us many important lessons,” President Kagame stated. “Among them is the need for close cooperation between the private sector and the government.”
He highlighted the continent’s vast potential, urging a shift in mindset to unlock Africa’s economic power. “Africa has everything it needs,” President Kagame declared, “but what needs to be done is to share it and make use of it.”
The President pointed to the stagnant growth of Africa’s middle class compared to its population as a cause for concern. He stressed the need for economic reforms and market integration to empower African businesses and traders on the global stage.
“The integration of African traders is an opportunity for the expansion of our market, and it allows us to have the ability to compete,” President Kagame emphasized.
He pointed to initiatives like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as a prime example of the power of unity. “We have the resources,” President Kagame stated, “But we need to be able to share them amongst ourselves. Here I also want to add that the more united Africa is the more productive our engagement with partners will become.”
President Kagame urged a shift in mindset to unlock Africa’s full potential. “Africa has everything it needs,” he declared, “but what needs to be done is to share it and make use of it.”
The President pointed to the stagnant growth of Africa’s middle class compared to its population as a cause for concern. He stressed the need for economic reforms and market integration, a potential theme of discussion at the Investment Forum, which could empower African businesses and traders on the global stage.
“The integration of African traders is an opportunity for the expansion of our market, and it allows us to have the ability to compete,” President Kagame emphasized. This aligns with the Africa Investment Forum’s focus on facilitating deals and partnerships.
President Kagame’s message also addressed challenges highlighted by Amir Ben Yahmed, CEO of Jeune Afrique Group, the forum organizer, who identified a lack of unity, attractiveness, and access to finance as key issues facing Africa’s private sector.
