Abu Dhabi, UAE – President Bola Tinubu has reiterated the need for stronger intra-African trade and collaboration to foster sustainable development across the continent, emphasizing that “the time for Africa is now.”
Speaking on Monday during a meeting with Rwandan President Paul Kagame in Abu Dhabi, President Tinubu highlighted Africa’s potential for growth and self-sufficiency. The meeting, which took place on the eve of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW), underscored the importance of African unity and cooperation in driving economic progress.
“Africa has what it takes to develop itself. We have the resources, the people, and the capacity,” President Tinubu said. “We must look inward to improve intra-African trade and collaboration to benefit the African people and the continent. The time for Africa is now.”
The President also took to his verified X (formerly Twitter) account, @officialBAT, to describe the discussions with President Kagame as “meaningful.” In his post, he said, “This evening, on the eve of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, I had meaningful conversations with Rwandan President Paul Kagame.”
The call for unity and strengthened economic ties among African nations comes as leaders across the continent grapple with issues such as trade barriers, infrastructure deficits, and the need for sustainable development. Tinubu’s remarks underline the growing recognition of Africa’s potential to chart its own path to prosperity by leveraging its vast natural and human resources.
Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, which begins on Tuesday, is expected to provide a platform for world leaders, innovators, and stakeholders to deliberate on global sustainability challenges and opportunities, with Africa taking center stage in discussions on its developmental priorities.
As Africa continues to navigate global challenges, Tinubu’s message serves as a rallying cry for the continent to harness its collective strength and take charge of its destiny.