Tinubu in Kigali: President’s Africa CEO Forum Address Pushes New Vision for Continental Growth, Investment

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday deepened Nigeria’s push for continental economic integration and investment-driven growth as he addressed global business leaders and African heads of state at the Presidential Panel of the Africa CEO Forum in Kigali, Rwanda.

At the high-level gathering attended by policymakers, investors, development partners and captains of industry, Tinubu positioned Nigeria as a leading driver of Africa’s economic transformation, insisting that the continent must move beyond dependence on foreign aid and embrace stronger regional cooperation, private-sector investment and sustainable industrialisation.

Speaking during the Presidential Panel session, Tinubu said Africa possesses the human capital, natural resources and entrepreneurial strength needed to become a major force in the global economy if leaders commit themselves to reforms, infrastructure development and policy consistency.

The Nigerian leader stressed that African nations must now prioritise trade integration, energy expansion, technology-driven innovation and youth empowerment to unlock the continent’s vast opportunities.

“We must build an Africa that is productive, competitive and investment-friendly. The future of our continent lies in collaboration, economic reforms and creating opportunities for our young population,” Tinubu told participants at the forum.

The President’s Kigali outing formed part of broader diplomatic and economic engagements aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s regional influence while attracting foreign direct investments into critical sectors of the economy.

The Africa CEO Forum, widely regarded as one of the continent’s biggest investment and business policy gatherings, brought together presidents, chief executives, financiers and multinational corporations to discuss Africa’s development trajectory amid rising global economic uncertainties.

Tinubu used the platform to highlight ongoing reforms under his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly in fiscal restructuring, power sector reforms, infrastructure expansion and investment liberalisation.

He said Nigeria had already taken bold but necessary economic decisions designed to stabilise the economy and create a more transparent business environment capable of attracting long-term investors.

According to him, the removal of fuel subsidy, foreign exchange reforms and tax restructuring efforts were aimed at repositioning Nigeria for sustainable growth and increased competitiveness within Africa and globally.

Tinubu assured investors that Nigeria remains open for business and committed to protecting investments through regulatory reforms and improved ease of doing business policies.

READ ALSO: Tinubu Urges Unity, Fairness as APC Primaries Begin Nationwide

The President also emphasised the importance of intra-African trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), describing the agreement as a strategic pathway toward economic independence and industrial growth across the continent.

He said African countries must reduce overdependence on imports while strengthening local manufacturing capacities and regional value chains.

Tinubu noted that stronger collaboration among African states would help boost food security, create jobs, reduce poverty and increase resilience against global economic shocks.

The Nigerian President further called for greater investment in infrastructure, especially energy, transportation and digital connectivity, arguing that Africa cannot compete effectively in the modern global economy without reliable infrastructure systems.

He stressed that access to electricity remains one of the continent’s biggest developmental challenges and urged governments and private investors to deepen partnerships capable of unlocking Africa’s energy potential.

Tinubu said Nigeria is already pursuing major reforms in the power sector targeted at increasing electricity generation and expanding access to energy for industries and households.

He explained that improved power supply would significantly boost industrial productivity, support manufacturing and encourage technology innovation.

The President also spoke extensively on the role of young Africans in driving the continent’s future prosperity, describing Africa’s youthful population as its greatest asset.

He urged African governments to invest more in education, entrepreneurship, digital skills and innovation ecosystems capable of empowering millions of young people.

Tinubu warned that unemployment and economic exclusion among youths could undermine development gains if governments fail to create sustainable opportunities.

According to him, African leaders must create environments where young entrepreneurs and innovators can thrive without unnecessary bureaucratic obstacles.

During the discussions, Tinubu advocated stronger public-private partnerships as a major catalyst for development across the continent.

He said governments alone cannot fund Africa’s infrastructure and industrial needs, making private sector participation critical for long-term growth.

The Nigerian leader added that transparency, accountability and institutional stability would remain essential in attracting credible investments into African economies.

Observers at the forum described Tinubu’s intervention as part of Nigeria’s renewed continental diplomacy focused on economic leadership and regional cooperation.

Analysts noted that the President’s participation at the Africa CEO Forum reinforces Nigeria’s strategic efforts to position itself as a major destination for investment despite prevailing economic challenges.

The Kigali engagement also provided Tinubu opportunities to meet investors and business executives interested in Nigeria’s power, mining, agriculture, technology and infrastructure sectors.

Members of the Nigerian delegation said several investment discussions centred on expanding partnerships capable of boosting industrial development and job creation in Nigeria.

Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, alongside Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, Taiwo Oyedele, were among top officials supporting Nigeria’s economic engagement at the forum.

Oyedele later disclosed that Tinubu actively promoted Nigeria’s economic opportunities during interactions with investors and business leaders.

According to him, the President demonstrated strong commitment toward mobilising investments particularly in power, mining and private sector expansion.

“You know one very exciting thing about Mr President is that he is never tired of marketing Nigeria; he is the chief marketer for the country,” Oyedele said while briefing journalists after the session.

He added that discussions at the forum focused largely on economic opportunities and ways to support businesses across Africa.

The conversations in Kigali also reflected growing concerns among African leaders about declining global capital flows, debt pressures and geopolitical tensions affecting emerging economies.

Several speakers at the forum argued that Africa must increasingly rely on internal strengths and regional integration to achieve sustainable growth.

Tinubu echoed similar sentiments, insisting that African countries must develop stronger domestic industries capable of competing globally.

He said the continent cannot continue exporting raw materials while importing finished products at higher costs.

The President therefore called for industrial policies that encourage local production, technology transfer and manufacturing expansion.

He further highlighted agriculture as a major sector capable of transforming Africa’s economy if supported with modern technology, financing and infrastructure.

Tinubu said Nigeria remains committed to achieving food security through ongoing agricultural reforms and investment initiatives.

He stressed that Africa has enough arable land and human resources to feed itself and become a global agricultural powerhouse.

The Nigerian leader also touched on digital transformation and innovation, urging African governments to create policies that encourage technology investments and startups.

He noted that technology-driven enterprises are increasingly shaping global economic growth and providing new employment opportunities for young people.

Tinubu said Nigeria’s expanding digital economy demonstrates the huge innovation potential across Africa.

At the forum, participants also discussed climate change, energy transition and sustainable development financing.

Tinubu acknowledged the growing global shift toward cleaner energy but argued that Africa must pursue a balanced transition that reflects its developmental realities.

He said the continent should not be denied opportunities to utilise its natural resources for economic growth while transitioning gradually toward renewable energy solutions.

The President called for fair climate financing arrangements that support developing economies without slowing industrialisation efforts.

Beyond economics, Tinubu’s Kigali visit also reinforced Nigeria’s diplomatic engagement with Rwanda and other African countries.

Nigeria and Rwanda have maintained growing bilateral relations in trade, aviation, security cooperation and investment partnerships in recent years.

Diplomatic observers believe Tinubu’s participation at the forum could open additional areas of cooperation between both countries, especially in technology and regional commerce.

The President’s appearance alongside other African leaders further underscored Nigeria’s continued influence in continental affairs despite domestic economic challenges.

Political analysts argued that Tinubu’s administration is increasingly projecting economic diplomacy as a central pillar of Nigeria’s foreign policy.

They noted that attracting investments and strengthening trade partnerships have become crucial objectives amid ongoing efforts to stabilise the Nigerian economy.

At the forum, international investors reportedly expressed interest in Nigeria’s mining sector following reforms targeted at improving transparency and unlocking mineral resources.

Tinubu assured stakeholders that Nigeria would continue implementing policies designed to encourage responsible mining and industrial development.

The President also emphasised regional peace and stability as necessary conditions for economic growth across Africa.

He said insecurity, political instability and conflicts continue to hinder development efforts in several parts of the continent.

Tinubu urged African leaders to strengthen cooperation on security and governance issues capable of protecting investments and improving citizens’ welfare.

He maintained that economic prosperity and political stability are closely interconnected.

Participants at the Africa CEO Forum commended African leaders pushing reforms aimed at improving governance and investment climates.

Many also stressed the need for stronger implementation of economic agreements and regional infrastructure projects.

Tinubu’s Kigali engagement comes at a time when Nigeria is seeking greater foreign investments to support ongoing reforms and infrastructure expansion programmes.

The administration has repeatedly argued that difficult economic measures introduced over the past year are necessary foundations for long-term growth and stability.

While acknowledging short-term hardships faced by citizens, government officials insist that reforms would eventually create a stronger and more resilient economy.

In Kigali, Tinubu reiterated his administration’s commitment to reforms and economic modernisation, saying Nigeria remains determined to play a leading role in Africa’s development journey.

He urged African leaders to remain bold, visionary and collaborative in confronting the continent’s challenges.

According to him, Africa’s future prosperity depends largely on the quality of leadership, strength of institutions and willingness to embrace innovation.

As deliberations continued at the Africa CEO Forum, Tinubu’s message remained centred on a common theme that Africa possesses enormous potential and must now translate that potential into measurable economic transformation through unity, investment and strategic leadership.

For Nigeria, the Kigali engagement represented not only another diplomatic outing but also an opportunity to reinforce its ambition of becoming a key economic engine for Africa’s future growth.