Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame has urged African countries to use their vast natural and human resources to strengthen economic independence, warning against allowing global powers to exploit the continent.
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Speaking at the Africa CEO Forum in Kigali on Thursday, Kagame said African leaders must develop the courage to say “no” to partnerships that leave the continent economically disadvantaged.
“For Africa, we have to leverage our competitive advantage,” Kagame said. “Why is Africa always at a disadvantage when you have almost everything?”
He argued that Africa possesses abundant mineral, energy and human resources, yet continues to lose much of its wealth cheaply to more powerful nations.
“We must be able to say no,” Kagame said, warning against Africa being “ripped off” by countries with greater geopolitical influence.
Kagame also highlighted Africa’s growing population and expanding middle class, saying the continent has the workforce and potential needed to drive economic growth and industrialisation.
Responding to a question about Africa’s role amid rising global tensions, Kagame described the current geopolitical climate as a “wake-up call” and urged African countries to use the uncertainty to reclaim economic sovereignty.
The two-day Africa CEO Forum has brought together heads of state and more than 2,000 business leaders and investors from 75 countries in Kigali.
This article was originally published by Global South World and is republished here with permission. View the original article.
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