President Paul Kagame of Rwanda has delivered an upbeat message about Africa’s economic trajectory while speaking at the World Economic Forum’s special meeting in Riyadh on Sunday.
Kagame’s remarks came on the opening day of the two-day WEF Special Meeting on Global Collaboration, Growth and Energy for Development taking place in the Saudi capital.
Kagame was among several heads of state to arrive in Saudi Arabia for the event aimed at facilitating dialogue and fostering cooperation between nations.
Pointing to his own nation’s revitalization after the 1994 genocide as an example, the Rwandan leader urged the international community to view the continent as “an important entity to develop affairs with its politics, economy.
“We are seeing Africa, much as you may find problems here and there, Africa is coming together, Africa is moving forward,” Kagame told attendees.
“Different countries have decided to embrace the growth of the economy. This can’t be coming from nothing but the good efforts that Africans are putting in place. And therefore, it is important that the rest of the world looks at Africa as an important entity to develop affairs with its politics, economy.
“Rwanda has come from the dead but we are alive and thriving today. It is investments in our people, accountability and governance that we bring into play and which we share with the rest of the continent.” President Kagame | World Economic Forum Special Meeting.”
The Rwandan president highlighted his national agenda prioritizing sustainable development and regional integration efforts as part of the East African Community bloc.
Over 1,000 leaders from government, business and civil society have convened for the 50-session gathering organized around three themes: revitalizing global collaboration; a compact for inclusive growth; and catalyzing action on energy for development.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who holds the rotating G20 presidency in 2024, is scheduled to deliver opening remarks at Saturday’s plenary session. Other world leaders, CEOs, experts and stakeholders will join panel discussions on issues spanning climate change, energy security, global financial risks, food insecurity and more.
The meeting, which began today and runs through April 29th, is organized around three core themes: revitalizing global collaboration; a compact for inclusive economic growth; and catalyzing action on energy solutions to drive development.
After the two days of talks in Riyadh, the WEF plans to release policy recommendations and action plans when the Special Meeting concludes on Sunday.
