Vice President Kashim Shettima and the immediate past President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina, will today lead some other key figures to examine major issues affecting leadership in the nation’s civil service.
The event, which will be chaired by former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Oba Olu Falae, will also feature the unveiling of a book on the subject.
In a statement, a former Federal Permanent Secretary Japh Nwosu said a book, titled: Leadership in the Nigerian Civil Service, is authored by Dr. Goke Adegoroye, a retired Permanent Secretary and pioneer Director-General of the Bureau for Public Service Reforms.
Nwosu said the book, which will also be launched today at the Rotunda Hall of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, “chronicles Dr. Adegoroye’s experiential knowledge, encounters, challenges, and triumphs in the public service, offering valuable insights and reflections on leadership in Nigeria’s civil service over the past five decades”.
The Vice President, Kashim Shettima; the immediate past President of the African Development Bank, Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina and other key figures will gather in Abuja on June 4 to examine issues around leadership in the nation’s civil service.
The event, to be chaired by former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Oba Olu Falae, will also feature the unveiling of a book on the subject.
In a statement, a former Federal Permanent Secretary, Japh Nwosu said the book, titled: “Leadership in the Nigerian Civil Service,” is authored by Dr. Goke Adegoroye, a retired Permanent Secretary and pioneer Director-General of the Bureau for Public Service Reforms.
Nwosu said the book, to be launched on June 4 at the Rotunda Hall of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, “chronicles Dr. Adegoroye’s experiential knowledge, encounters, challenges, and triumphs in the public service, offering valuable insights and reflections on leadership in Nigeria’s civil service over the past five decades.
“As a renowned expert in public administration and governance, Dr. Adegoroye has authored several authoritative books on good governance and leadership in Nigeria’s public service.
“The book launch promises to be a significant forum for public administration practitioners, public servants, and scholars to engage with the complexities of leadership in Nigeria’s civil service.
“Its release has been strategically timed for the mid-term of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration with a view to offering useful tips on how to strengthen governance effectiveness.
“The event will also feature keynote addresses by H.E. Kasshim Shettima, and Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank, who is the special guest of Honour, while the book reviewer is Professor Victor Ayeni, a renowned international Public Administration expert.
“Public presentation of the book will be done by distinguished guests, among other related activities at the event,” he said.
Nwosu, who is the Chairman, Public Presentation Planning Committee, added that the book, covering the past five decades, is a timely and thought-provoking publication that draws on Dr. Adegoroye’s vast experience and expertise in public service.
“The book offers practical insights and recommendations for improving leadership capacity in Nigeria’s civil service, ultimately contributing to the country’s growth and prosperity.
“Dr. Goke Adegoroye is a retired Permanent Secretary and pioneer Director-General of the Bureau for Public Service Reforms.
“He is an academic and scientist turned civil servant, a governance and institutional reforms expert and advocate of excellence and integrity in public service.
“He has a long history of authoring authoritative books on good governance and leadership in Nigeria’s public service.”
The Presidency has dismissed any suggestion that President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, posed a political threat to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu or the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, stated this on Tuesday evening while appearing as a guest on TVC’s ‘Beyond the Headlines’, which is hosted by Nifemi Oguntoye.
Speaking to insinuations that the outgoing President of the AfDB could be a threat to the Tinubu administration, Onanuga said “as a politician, I don’t consider Dr. Akinwumi a threat to this president or to our political party [All Progressives Congress].
“I don’t think he is a political threat. I said I was surprised that he made what I will consider as a non sequitur kind of argument or kind of conclusion.
“In Latin, you say it doesn’t follow; that, because GDP has fallen in 2025 so it means per capita income has fallen in 2025 does not mean that life, necessarily, was better in 1960 than now. That was the point I was making.
“I also said, as a politician, I don’t consider Dr Akinwumi a threat to this president or to our political party”, Onanuga said on Tuesday evening.
Adesina, in his keynote address, delivered on April 30, 2025, at the 20th anniversary dinner of Chapel Hill Denham, an investment firm, in Lagos, spoke on Nigeria’s GDP, noting that the current GDP per capita of $824 is lower than the $1,847 recorded in 1960.
He argued that the stark drop signaled that “Nigerians are now significantly worse off than they were 64 years ago.”
He further contended that the contraction in income per head revealed the “depth of poverty and low human‑development outcomes” plaguing the country—issues that must be urgently addressed to harness the nation’s demographic potential.
However, in his reaction to the AfDB boss’ conclusion, Onanuga in an earlier reaction on Sunday evening, suggested that Adesina’s assessment of Nigeria’s economic history was based on flawed reasoning and “grossly inaccurate” statistics.
According to him, World Bank archival data pegged Nigeria’s GDP per capita in 1960 at a modest $93—far below the nearly $2,000 figure cited by the AfDB chief.
“Adesina should know that GDP per capita is not the only criterion used to determine whether people live better lives,” Onanuga said, arguing that economic analysis must factor in progress in life expectancy, education, infrastructure, and overall well-being.
The presidential adviser further implied that Adesina’s comments sounded more like political rhetoric than objective economic assessment.
He highlighted the Tinubu administration’s ongoing investments in transportation infrastructure, education, and social programmes—initiatives that did not exist at the time of independence and are not reflected in GDP metrics alone.
He insisted that, when adjusted for purchasing power and quality-of-life indices, “Nigerians are certainly not worse off” than they were in 1960.
The venue was Tinapa. Both the Aso Rock Villa and Africa Development Bank (AfDB) literally relocated to Calabar, capital of Cross River State. And amid a torrential, thrashing downpour that draped the ceremonial grounds in shimmering veils of rain, the groundbreaking ceremony for the Special Agro-industrial Processing Zone unfolded like a vivid collage woven with the threads of enduring resolve and impassioned dreams. Each relentless droplet danced in harmony with the determined hearts of dignitaries and visionaries, their voices and aspirations melding with nature’s wild cadence to herald a transformative dawn for Cross River State.
With poetic precision, and a note of unison, everyone was in concord that Governor Bassey Edet Otu has dismantled outdated paradigms and sculpted an environment where agro-industrial innovation blossoms. His strategic policies are transforming fertile lands into dynamic epicenters of growth, ensuring that every seed sown today will blossom into prosperity tomorrow.
At the heart of this transformative revolution stands the pioneering Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ), a monument to progress designed under Governor Otu’s judicious stewardship. More than an infrastructure project, SAPZ embodies Otu’s fervent commitment to food security, sustainable growth, and job creation for all.
In his masterful orchestration of policy and progress, Governor Otu has also made doing business not merely easier, but an art form—a symphony where regulatory barriers defrost into opportunities. His reforms are magnetizing investment and innovation, turning Cross River into a sanctuary for both local entrepreneurs and global investors.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, addressing the gathering at the groundbreaking ceremony, lauded the SAPZ as a transformative game-changer. His impassioned remarks echoed the collective dreams of a nation poised on the brink of economic revival, resonating with the spirit of collaboration and renewed hope that defines this historic moment.
Amplifying these visionary sentiments, Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank, extolled Governor Otu’s leadership as a masterstroke that has rejuvenated Cross River’s agricultural landscape. Adesina’s eulogy underscored the deep-seated belief that under such enlightened guidance, the SAPZ will not only revolutionize local economies but also propel Nigeria onto the global stage.
Every facet of the SAPZ—from its strategic location near seaports and power plants to its planned integration with efficient rail links—bears witness to Governor Otu’s meticulous planning and farsighted vision. His enduring commitment to crafting an ecosystem of innovation will enable communities to tap into vast potentials and reap the rewards of progress.
The Governor’s policies have not only unlocked economic gateways but have also reimagined agriculture as a catalyst for societal transformation. His focus on food security and sustainable development is sure to turn rural landscapes into thriving centers of industry and opportunity, ensuring that the fruits of his labour nourish both body and soul.
Drawing inspiration from a confluence of enlightened minds, the event resonated with the combined vision of leaders who dare to dream boldly. The harmonious interplay of Vice President Shettima’s affirmations and Akinwumi Adesina’s accolades lent an almost lyrical cadence to this landmark occasion, where hope met precision.
In every word and gesture, Governor Otu’s unwavering passion for his people continues to shine through, resonating with the timeless ideals of justice, progress, and unity. His legacy is being written on the fabric of Cross River, one that will inspire future generations to pursue excellence without compromise.
As the sun bathes the horizon in golden hues, the synergistic visions of these eminent leaders converge into a singular, resounding promise: that Cross River State, under Governor Otu’s stewardship, will be an enduring ode to resilience, prosperity, and boundless opportunity.
Thus, on that momentous day, the triumvirate of visionary leadership—embodied by Governor Bassey Edet Otu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, and Akinwumi Adesina—ushered in an era where every field will bloom with promise, every investment will nurture dreams, and every citizen will bask in the radiant glow of progress.
Obogo is Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to Governor Bassey Edet Otu of Cross River – linusobogo@gmail.com
President of African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr Akinwumi Adesina, has denied nursing an ambition to run for president in 2027.
This follows a recent interview on Arise TV, where he was questioned about his political future after his tenure at the AfDB.
Responding to the question, Adesina said: “I will be available to serve in any capacity, globally, in Africa, anywhere, including in my own country, Nigeria.”
The outgoing AfDB Presidents’ remarks generated widespread interpretations that he was subtly declaring interest in the 2027 presidential race.
However, Adesina while addressing the issue in a Post X on Thursday, said what he said during the interview was misinterpreted by media outlets.
He also encouraged people to go and listen to the interview to confirm what he actually said.
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has facilitated with President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Akinwunmi Adesina on his 65th birthday, praising his dedication to Africa’s progress and sustainable development.
In a message on his X handle, Sanwo-Olu acknowledged Adesina’s transformative impact on the continent, describing him as a visionary leader.
“Today, we celebrate your remarkable journey and contributions to the African Development Bank Group and the African continent.
“Your leadership, vision, and dedication to sustainable development have inspired countless individuals and transformed lives across nations,”
Sanwo-Olu extended his best wishes to the AfDB President, encouraging him to take pride in his accomplishments while embracing new opportunities to further Africa’s development.
“As you celebrate today, Dr. Adesina, may you reflect on your achievements with pride and look forward to new opportunities to make an even more significant impact.”
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated three eminent Nigerians — Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Mr. Fola Adeola, and Mr. Kola Adesina — on receiving honorary doctorate degrees from the University of Lagos (UNILAG) during its 55th convocation ceremony.
In a statement yesterday in Abuja by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu praised the recipients for their outstanding achievements and the impact on they have made on Nigeria’s development.
The President hailed the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Dr. Okonjo-Iweala, for her historic leadership as the first African woman to head the global trade body and her transformative reforms in Nigeria’s financial sector.
Mr. Adeola, a co-founder of Guaranty Trust Bank Plc and founder of the FATE Foundation, received the President’s kudos for his pivotal role in shaping the Nigerian banking landscape and mentoring young entrepreneurs through innovative training and financial support.
Mr. Adesina, an alumnus of UNILAG and Group Managing Director of Sahara Power Group, earned accolades for his trailblazing efforts in Nigeria’s energy sector, spearheading sustainable power solutions and driving innovation in infrastructure across 42 countries.
In a personal congratulatory message to Mr. Adesina, President Tinubu said: “This honorary degree is a well-deserved acknowledgment of your tireless efforts to elevate engineering standards and drive innovation in Nigeria.”
Acknowledging the achievements of all three honorees, President Tinubu expressed pride in their contributions to Nigeria’s growth and urged them to continue serving as role models.
“You are beacons of hope, innovation, and inspiration for future generations,” he said, underscoring their dedication to excellence and national development.
The honorary Doctor of Science degrees (D.Sc.) conferred upon the trio reflect their commitment to advancing the nation’s socio-economic progress.
President Tinubu wished them continued success in their endeavors, assuring them of the government’s appreciation for their invaluable efforts.
The UNILAG honoured the recipients for their exceptional service and dedication to the nation’s progress, celebrating their global recognition and impact in their respective fields.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated three eminent Nigerians—Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Mr. Fola Adeola, and Mr. Kola Adesina—on receiving honorary doctorate degrees from the University of Lagos (UNILAG) during its 55th convocation ceremony.
In a statement issued on Thursday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu praised the recipients for their outstanding achievements and their impact on Nigeria’s development.
The President lauded Dr. Okonjo-Iweala, the Director-General of the World Trade Organization, for her historic leadership as the first African woman to head the global trade body and for her transformative reforms in Nigeria’s financial sector.
Adeola, co-founder of Guaranty Trust Bank Plc and founder of the FATE Foundation, was commended for his pivotal role in shaping the Nigerian banking landscape and mentoring young entrepreneurs through innovative training and financial support.
Adesina, an alumnus of UNILAG and Group Managing Director of Sahara Power Group, earned accolades for his trailblazing efforts in Nigeria’s energy sector, spearheading sustainable power solutions and driving innovation in infrastructure across 42 countries.
In a personal congratulatory message to Mr. Adesina, President Tinubu highlighted the transformative work of Sahara Power Group under his leadership, which has inspired excellence in the energy sector.
“This honorary degree is a well-deserved acknowledgement of your tireless efforts to elevate engineering standards and drive innovation in Nigeria,” the President said.
Acknowledging the achievements of all three honourees, President Tinubu expressed pride in their contributions to Nigeria’s growth and urged them to continue serving as role models.
“You are beacons of hope, innovation, and inspiration for future generations,” he stated, underscoring their dedication to excellence and national development.
The honorary Doctor of Science degrees (D.Sc.) conferred upon the trio reflect their commitment to advancing the nation’s socio-economic progress.
President Tinubu wished them continued success in their endeavours, assuring them of the government’s appreciation for their invaluable efforts.
The University of Lagos honoured the recipients for their exceptional service and dedication to the nation’s progress, celebrating their global recognition and impact in their respective fields.
President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina on Wednesday assured over 1,700 investors that the continent was ready for big investments and partnerships capable of accelerate growth and sustainability.
He stressed that Africa was bankable but not interested in “Mickey Mouse” deals, noting that the potentials for investors willing to scale were innumerable.
Adesina spoke in Rabat, Morocco, at the opening ceremony of the Africa Investment Forum (AIF) Market Days 2024, an initiative of Africa50, a subsidiary under the AfDB.
Delivering a keynote address on the theme “leveraging innovative partnerships for scale”, Adesina emphasized that Africa was an investment haven that could not be ignored.
The AfDB President said he was convinced that the accelerated development of Africa required greater mobilisation of private capital, adding that room must be made for capital to be deployed to meet opportunities in the continent.
“At the Africa Investment Forum, this is the driving principle that brought us together as Founding Members, including the African Development Bank Group, Africa50, Africa-Export Import Bank, the Development Bank of Southern Africa, the Islamic Development Bank, the European Investment Bank and the Trade and Development Bank.
“Our focus is on a triple mandate, to advance high-impact projects to bankability, raise capital and accelerate the closure of deals. By focusing on investment facilitation for Africa, the Africa Investment Forum has become the premier investment platform for Africa.
“Africa presents such a unique investment opportunity which cannot be ignored. Don’t just believe me, believe the data. The New York Times said that the world is becoming more African, as 1 out of 4 people in the world by 2050 will be African.
“The continent’s population will double to reach 2.4 billion by 2050. That will be the same size as the combined population of China and India today.
“Population is destiny. Africa will brim with unparalleled demand for consumer goods and services, digital services, as well as housing, with the demand for housing expected to rise to an investment opportunity of $1.4 trillion.
“The size of Africa’s food and agriculture market will rise to $1 trillion by 2030. Demand for infrastructure presents an annual investment opportunity of at least $170 billion, from energy to transport, digital infrastructure, water and sanitation. Your presence here today shows that you see the investment opportunities for value creation in Africa. Again, believe the data.
A survey of asset managers by the Africa Private Equity Capital Association Survey for 2024 shows that “85% of Limited Partners expect to increase allocation of private capital in the next two years”.
Also, “52% of Limited Partners expect that private capital in Africa will be more attractive in Africa than other emerging markets in five years’ time”.
“We are seeing that attractiveness today, not five years. Africa50 (which I Chair) launched its $500 million Africa Infrastructure Acceleration Fund reaching first financial close with 15 institutional investors from Africa.
The Alliance for Green Infrastructure (AGIA) launched by the African Development Bank has garnered support of the G7, to mobilize $10 billion for investment in green infrastructure in Africa.
“The African Development Bank’s launch of hybrid capital, the first ever by a multilateral development bank, with an issuance of $750 million was oversubscribed eight times by $6 billion, a remarkable demonstration of investors’ confidence.
“Africa has become the prime investors destination in the race for returns in the global energy transition boom.
That’s because Africa will be critical for global energy transition, as it has large deposits of the critical minerals.
“Again, believe the data.
Africa holds 95% of chromium, 90% of Platinum Group Metals, 2/3 of global reserves of cobalt, 30% of lithium and manganese, and 20% of graphite- all of which are key for green transition, from electric vehicles to battery energy storage systems.
“The size of the electric vehicle and battery energy storage systems will rise from $7 trillion in 2030 to $59 trillion by 2050. Africa, which currently serves as a supplier of raw minerals, has a unique opportunity to move up the critical minerals value chain, with investments in critical minerals value adding industries,” he said.
Continuing, Adesina said that Africa needed investors to support its ambition of becoming a green energy power hub for the world, stating that it was not a risky business terrain. Africa is not as risky. Perception is not reality. Again, believe the data.
Moody’s Analytics assessment of cumulative defaults on infrastructure, over a 14-year period shows that Africa has the lowest default rates in the world. Default rates were 1.9% for Africa; 6.6% for North America; 10.1% for Latin America; 12.4% for Eastern Europe; 4.6% for Western Europe and Asia, respectively.
“The Africa Investment Forum goal is to help investors take informed investment decisions on projects in Africa. Our purpose remains the same: match investors with opportunities; mobilize capital; and accelerate financial closure for projects.
“The Africa Investment Forum has a strong record. In the past five editions, it has mobilized $180 billion of investor interests to Africa. It has fully closed transactions worth $30 billion and continues to fast-track a lot more to financial closure.
“I commend our AIF partners and their staff for their collaboration and exceptional work. This year, AIF partners originated deals worth over $15 billion- a record.
Over the next three days, we will have 41 investment board rooms on project opportunities across Africa.
“The Investor Blast of the AIF reached out to 2,298 single investors. I am delighted to inform you that 1,707 investors from over 200 institutions, globally, have been cleared to proceed to the board rooms.
“They come from 83 countries. This marks a landmark record for the Africa Investment Forum and is an incredible demonstration of appetite for investment projects in Africa.
“There’ll be excellent opportunities for business-to-business interactions and engaging panels on how to expand investment opportunities in Africa.
“The board rooms are ready.
The project developers are ready. The investors are ready and the governments are ready.
Africa is bankable! So, let the deals begin!” Adesina remarked.
Declaring the fifth AIF open, Morocco’s Minister for Economy and Finance, Nadia Fettah Alaoui, said there was need for more collective efforts to improve sustainable development financing and unlock potentials.
She noted the importance of international financial institutions strengthening their collaboration to mobilize more private capital that would complement public resources to provide significant funding for African economies.
“The long-awaited growth of our continent depends heavily on the ability of our countries to access the financing needed to achieve the goals of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
“While commendable efforts have been made by Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) to attract more private capital, we must acknowledge that there is still much to be done to enable the private sector to fully play its role in bridging the financing gap for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),” she said.
Alaoui also stressed the need for development partners to strengthen their support for structural reforms led by African governments, adding that focus must be made on improving project planning and fostering the creation of well-designed, financially sustainable initiatives.
The reforms, she said, must be accompanied by measures to consolidate macroeconomic fundamentals and improve the business environment, which would change risk perceptions and challenge historical biases against Africa, thus allowing the full potential of private financing to be harnessed.
“Now more than ever, development partners must enhance strategic collaboration and operate more cohesively to deliver greater impact in addressing the growing challenges facing African nations, such as rising debt risks, high youth unemployment, energy access, food insecurity, climate change, and the threat of future health crises,” she said.
Emphasizing that partnership development must be central to MDBs’ long-term strategies to execute transformative projects, Alaoui remarked that the 2024 AIF presented a unique opportunity to “enrich our collective thinking, explore innovative solutions to persistent challenges, and strengthen the partnerships needed to achieve our aspirations.”
VIPs who attended the opening ceremony included the Minister of Finance and Economy of the Kingdom of Morocco, Nadia Fettah Alaoui; President of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, Odile Renaud-Basso; Executive Vice President, Africa Export-Import Bank, Haytham El Maayergi, who represented the President, Benedict Oramah; President, Africa Finance Corporation, Samaila Zubairu; Chief Executive Officer of Africa50, Alain Ebobisse; Chief Executive Officer of the Development Bank of South Africa, Boitumelo Masako; President, Islamic Development Bank, Dr. Muhammad Al Jasser, represented by Hani Sombol, Chief Executive Officer of the International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation; President Emeritus and Managing Director of the Trade and Development Bank, Admassu Tadesse; President, European Investment Bank, Nadia Calvino, represented by his vice, Abroise Fayolle; President, Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa, Dr. Sidi Oud Tah; Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his Kaduna, Kebbi and Niger colleagues.
…Africa has countless investment treasures, you’ll be able to take your proceeds
As Africa continues to find solutions to its infrastructure deficits, investors have been urged to look inside and actually see the countless investment treasures the continent has.
Adesina, who doubles as the Chairman, Board of AIF, said the three-day open market would centre around talking business, assessing and closing deals and projects that will transform the continent.
According to him, a total of 2,306 participants from 83 countries registered for this year’s conference, a record 60 per cent increase when compared to last year’s figure.
“Just so that you know, last year we had 1,439 participants and compared to this year. So that is an impressive growth of participation of 60%. The investment boardrooms will be very rich as our platform investor blast has reached out to 2,298 single investors and 1,707 have been cleared to proceed to the boardrooms. A record figure once again.
“They have sought to accommodate you, they have moved things around. Some boardrooms were already set but they had to reset them because just as the amount of investors is incredible, so we have significantly grown our platform in line with the commitment to the people of Africa now that we are looking forward to adding more billions of dollars to investment.
“Almost like planting seed: when you plant maize, you put fertilizer, you put water, it grows. But after growing, you’re going to be able to take your harvest out. So it’s the same in Africa, you’re going to be able to take your proceeds out.
“We see a different thing happening in Africa today. The governments are creating the enabling environment for investment to not only land and grow, but to thrive in Africa. And so we are delighted that you are all doing this.
“I think Africa has come of age and you are the partners that will help us to do even better things more for this continent. So, we’re going to get started tonight with conversations on investment opportunities. For the next three days, let us choose our collective gathering here to set a new milestone for committing and accelerating investments in Africa,” he said.
In his welcome remarks, the Chief Executive Officer, Africa50, Alain Ebobisse, said as the first investment market place for the continent, the event symbolizes what can be achieved when bold ideas meet conscious capital.
“Our convening as policymakers, business leaders, investors, change makers is a testament to our commitment to realizing the aspirations of Africans across the continent. Together, we can transform this into reality.
“I am honored to lead Africa City, the Pan-African infrastructure investor and asset manager, where we are devoted to developing a strong pipeline of veritable projects, accelerating private investment into infrastructure in Africa, and mobilizing public and private funding to meet the continuing pressing infrastructure needs,” said Ebobisse.
According to him, the organisation was working hard to deliver transformative infrastructure projects across critical sectors such as energy, ICT, transport, mainstream, education, healthcare among others.
He said: “In just over seven years of operations, we have funded a game-changing project with an aggregate project value in excess of $8 billion. Now, we know that this is not enough because the infrastructure needs in Africa are still huge and urgent.
“Just to give an example, a figure from the African European Bank, $1.6 trillion required by 2030 to meet the U.N. sustainable development goals. So we know this is not something that one institution can achieve alone.
“We know this can only be achieved through innovative and cohesive partnerships which underscore the theme of today’s African Investment Forum market days: Leveraging innovative partnerships for scale. So, over the next three days, we are excited by the opportunity to demonstrate what partnership can deliver.
“We look forward to seeing you at our instructive panel sessions that share certain stories for unlocking institution capital for infrastructure and in the many boardrooms where we hope to see a lot of deals get completed. We hope the new billions of dollars are committed to infrastructure in Africa.
“Tonight and over the next three days, as we reconnect, share experience and business strategies and objectives over drinks, food, we are reminded that Africa’s growth and development depends on the collective strength of our partnership.
“Let’s raise glass to collaboration, innovation and unlocking Africa’s limitless potential together. May this event be a launch par for transformative projects, partnerships and investment commitment that deliver impact, create jobs and help shape a more productive Africa for generations today and for years to come.”
Morocco’s Minister of Economy and Finance, Nadia Fettah Alaoui thanked the AIF for bringing the open market 2024 to Morocco, praising Adesina for bringing forth the initiative to attract worthy investments into the continent.
She wooed investors with Africa’s great future and untapped potentials, urging them to keep believing in the continent to make it even greater.
“Our appetite is great, our ambition is important, and you will see in the coming three days. I’m talking to the investors in particular, that if you want to be the champion of the new country, region.or the continent, please do so.
“Keep dreaming, keep working, and the guys with the money are here. They’re watching you, they believe you, and they’re bringing billions for you. I’m very optimistic that this edition, that we are so blessed to host in Rabat, after having the 23rd one in Marakesh.
“I want to say that any of the successes of any of the countries is for the good of the continent. So maybe we will be discussing projects and finances.
“But maybe the project holder should be discussing together because sharing our experiences and successes will make Africa stronger and will make a brighter future for the youths in Africa,” said the minister.
