President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has stated that the world needs to see Africa as a continent that promotes solutions and drives growth.
Gatekeepers News reports that Tinubu made the statement while speaking during a meeting with a delegation of the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, led by its managing director, Makhtar Diop.
The presidential spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelale revealed this through a statement released on Thursday.
Tinubu urged global financiers to consider more strategic investments in agriculture, infrastructure, research, and development on the continent.
The president said, “The IFC and the World Bank need to see Africa differently.”
“I am glad an African is at the helm of affairs at IFC, and as an African, understands that the potential for growth, peace, stability, and prosperity is here.”
“The world has to see us as a continent that can help the rest of the world and not perceive us as backwards, unstable, and with leadership problems.”
“The expectations of the rest of the world on Africa have to change. By looking at Africa as a potential opportunity and not a danger to the rest of the free world, we can stimulate growth and propel inclusiveness.”
Tinubu added that Africa is ready to work with the rest of the world to change people’s perceptions about it. He stresses that the continent is open for business.
He said, “am an African and proud to be, and will maintain the strong position to collaborate with the rest of the world to see Africa as a destination for growth and prosperity.”
Also, Makhtar Diop said the IFC had engaged in productive discussions with Nigerian partners to enhance agriculture, increase food production through irrigation farming, upgrade transport networks, and bolster regional integration during the work trip.
He said “We are supporting small and medium enterprises in the agricultural sector, and they are doing very interesting things. We need to bring in more big players into food production in the country.”
“We are here to support you. The world has been facing a lot of shocks and difficult situations which have affected many African economies.”
The managing director further mentioned that IFC is focused on areas such as investments in irrigation, road infrastructure, and logistics around airports under a public-private partnership in Nigeria.yy
