Today, Rwanda’s Premier Minister Dr. Edouard Ngirente participated in the opening of the 2023 Africa Investment Forum in Marrakech (Morocco) and took part in a presidential panel on accelerating Africa’s economic transformation.
The panel with other four Heads of State and Government including; President Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania, Azali Assoumani of the Comoros and current Chairperson of the African Union (AU), Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone, and Mia Mottley, the Prime Minister of Barbados.
“Implementing Africa’s agenda 2063, we need cohesion and synergy to work together as a continent.”, said Premier Minister Dr. Edouard Ngirente in his address.
“We have been talking about south-south cooperation but we cannot work together if there is no movement of people. We first need skilled people but also facilitate their movement from one country to another.”, he added.
Dr. Edouard Ngirente shared Rwanda’s journey of creating an enabling environment for investment and economic growth, mentioning key contributing areas of intervention : national security, investment in infrastructure, progress on universal electrification, driving internet penetration, and a visa-free regime, among others.
Taking place from November 8-10 in the vibrant city of Marrakech (Morocco), this year’s forum boasts a distinguished assembly of African heads of state and government.
During his address, Akinwumi Adesina, the President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), commended the Moroccan people for their continued “courage, resilience, and tenacity.”
Akinwumi reiterated the AfDB’s steadfast commitment to aiding Morocco’s recovery in the aftermath of a devastating earthquake on September 8th, asserting: “The AfDB plans to finance various projects in Morocco, totaling 782 million euros in 2023.”
Despite a complex geopolitical landscape marked by conflicts, the AfDB President noted, “Africa is growing well and showing resilience,” while “African economies witnessed a real GDP growth of 3.8% in 2022, surpassing the global average of 3.5%.”
He further highlighted the unparalleled investment opportunities on the African continent, stressing that “Africa’s population is projected to reach 2.5 billion by 2050, when the continent will account for 25% of the global population. Africa will play a pivotal role as the key driver of the global supply force.”
The forum, graced with the patronage of King Mohammed VI, has drawn a notable gathering of African leaders and investors, signifying the continent’s increasing allure on the global investment stage.
According to the AfDB President, the substantial participation of African decision-makers sends a resounding message and confirms that “Africa is the prime investment destination.” (End)