President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed Africa’s vast potential for self-development, underscoring the need to bolster intra-African trade. In a statement on his official X account, Tinubu asserted, “Africa has what it takes to develop itself.” He further emphasized the importance of prioritizing the continent’s interests, saying, “We must look inward to improve intra-African trade and collaboration to benefit the African people and the continent.”
Tinubu’s remarks came on the eve of the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW 2025), where he engaged in productive discussions with Rwandan President Paul Kagame. The President departed Abuja on January 11 to participate in the 2025 edition of the summit, which aims to accelerate sustainable development and advance socioeconomic progress.
Sheikh Mohamed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, extended an invitation to President Tinubu to attend the summit. The event, titled “The Nexus of Next; Supercharging Sustainable Progress,” will convene global leaders to explore pathways to fast-track the transformation to a sustainable economy and evolve a new era of prosperity for all.
President Tinubu expressed his optimism for Africa’s future, stating, “We have the resources, the people, and the capacity. We must look inward to improve intra-African trade and collaboration to benefit the African people and the continent.” He concluded with a rallying call, saying, “The time for Africa is now. We can. We must. We will.”
