The Chief Executive Officer of the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD), Nardos Thomas, has emphasized the need for increased investment and resource mobilization to drive Africa's growth and stability. Speaking at the opening of the El Alamein - Africa Business Forum, in the presence of Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, Thomas highlighted Africa's potential for growth and development despite facing several challenges. She cited examples of successful African businesses and entrepreneurs, such as Nigerian businessman Ali Dangote.
Thomas noted that Africa has exceptional models of business and investment, which can be scaled up to achieve significant results on the continent. She expressed confidence that the forum can help convince investors to channel their funds into African projects, increasing the number of participants in the African economy. This, she believes, will lay the foundation for peace and stability in the region. The forum, which is being broadcast live on Extra News, brings together business leaders and stakeholders to discuss opportunities and challenges in Africa.
According to Thomas, promoting development in Africa requires mobilizing additional financial resources and increasing African participation in financing and developing their countries' economies. She stressed the importance of fostering a sense of African ownership and solidarity, emphasizing that "Africa is one continent for all Africans." Thomas also highlighted the need for increased African investments within the continent, which can help drive growth and development.
The NEPAD CEO emphasized the importance of supporting the growth of African businesses and industries, enabling them to expand beyond national borders and compete globally. She encouraged business leaders and industries to respond to this call, expanding their projects and investments to support the growth of the African economy. This, she believes, will enhance the competitiveness of African companies in regional and international markets.
Thomas's call for increased investment and resource mobilization is echoed by many African leaders and stakeholders. They argue that increased investment in African businesses and projects can help address some of the continent's most pressing challenges, including poverty, unemployment, and inequality. The African Union has set ambitious development goals, including the creation of a single African market and the promotion of intra-African trade.
The El Alamein - Africa Business Forum provides a platform for business leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders to discuss opportunities and challenges in Africa. The forum aims to promote African business and investment, and to identify solutions to some of the continent's most pressing challenges. It also seeks to foster partnerships and collaborations between African businesses and international investors.
In conclusion, Thomas's remarks highlight the need for increased investment and resource mobilization to drive Africa's growth and stability. She emphasized the importance of African ownership and solidarity, as well as the need for increased African investments within the continent. The forum provides a platform for stakeholders to discuss opportunities and challenges in Africa, and to identify solutions to some of the continent's most pressing challenges.
Key points
- NEPAD's CEO, Nardos Thomas, calls for increased investment and resource mobilization to drive Africa's growth and stability.
- Thomas emphasizes the importance of African ownership and solidarity in driving the continent's development.
- The El Alamein - Africa Business Forum aims to promote African business and investment, and to identify solutions to some of the continent's most pressing challenges.