“Africa Must Put Africa First” — Tinubu Pushes for Continental Economic Unity at CEO Forum in Kigali

 By Kehinde Awosina 



Tinubu Calls for Stronger Intra-African Trade, Economic Unity at Africa CEO Forum

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on African nations to prioritise collaboration among themselves and strengthen intra-African trade as a pathway to sustainable growth and continental prosperity.

Speaking during the Presidential Panel at the Africa CEO Forum held in Kigali, Rwanda, President Tinubu stressed that Africa must begin to “put Africa first” by investing more in local partnerships, trade, infrastructure, and innovation across the continent.

According to the Nigerian leader, African countries cannot achieve economic scale and long-term prosperity by depending mainly on external partnerships while neglecting opportunities within the continent. He urged African leaders and private sector players to deepen cooperation through initiatives capable of connecting markets and empowering the continent’s growing youthful population.

Tinubu noted that Nigeria’s ongoing economic reforms are designed not only to address present challenges but also to position the country as a leading force in the future African economy. He highlighted the importance of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), digital trade, improved logistics, commodities exchange, and stronger private sector partnerships in unlocking Africa’s economic potential.

The President also called for reforms in the global financial and risk architecture, insisting that Africa deserves fair treatment that reflects the continent’s realities, peculiarities, and development needs.

While commending Paul Kagame for hosting the event, Tinubu praised Rwanda’s leadership and developmental strides, describing the country as an example of what discipline, vision, and effective execution can achieve.

He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to working closely with Rwanda and other African nations to build a continent that is more productive, economically connected, and globally competitive.

“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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