Tinubu to World: Fix Global Finance to Unlock Africa’s Growth

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called for urgent reforms to the global financial system, insisting that Africa’s economic growth will remain constrained unless international lending structures become fairer and more inclusive.

Tinubu made the call while addressing global investors and policymakers at the Africa CEO Forum in Kigali, Rwanda, where he stressed the need for stronger support for developing economies facing debt burdens, climate challenges, and infrastructure deficits.

The Nigerian leader argued that African countries continue to face unfair borrowing conditions despite possessing enormous economic potential and natural resources capable of driving global growth.

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According to him, access to affordable financing remains critical for Africa to industrialise, expand infrastructure, strengthen healthcare systems, and create jobs for its rapidly growing population.

Tinubu said developing nations should not be subjected to financial arrangements that deepen inequality and slow economic progress.

He urged multilateral institutions, global lenders, and advanced economies to redesign financial systems in ways that support sustainable growth across Africa.

The President also emphasised the importance of partnerships built on mutual respect, innovation, and shared prosperity rather than dependency.

Tinubu highlighted Nigeria’s ongoing economic reforms as part of efforts to build investor confidence and improve macroeconomic stability.

He pointed to recent policy decisions by his administration aimed at expanding revenue generation, improving transparency, and strengthening the investment climate.

The President further noted that Africa must be allowed greater participation in shaping global economic policies that directly affect developing nations.

He warned that failure to address structural imbalances in global finance could widen poverty levels and slow development across emerging markets.

Tinubu also urged African leaders to strengthen regional cooperation and pursue policies capable of boosting intra-African trade and industrialisation.

Observers at the forum described the speech as part of a broader push by Nigeria to position itself as a leading voice on economic reform and development financing on the continent.

The Africa CEO Forum attracted government officials, development partners, multinational firms, and investors from different parts of the world to discuss strategies for economic growth and private sector expansion in Africa.

Tinubu is expected to continue investment talks with foreign business leaders during the summit before returning to Nigeria.