President Bola Tinubu has expressed the need for a change in the way Africa is perceived by the rest of the world during a meeting with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) delegation led by Managing Director Mr. Makhtar Diop.
Rather than being seen as a continent plagued by backwardness, instability, and leadership challenges, President Tinubu urged global financiers to recognize Africa as a destination for growth and prosperity.
Expressing his satisfaction that an African is leading the IFC, President Tinubu highlighted the immense potential for growth, peace, stability, and prosperity in Africa.
He called for a shift in expectations, urging the international community to view Africa as an opportunity rather than a threat.
By changing this perception, President Tinubu believes that Africa can drive inclusive growth and contribute to global development.
President Tinubu acknowledged Nigeria’s significant IFC portfolio, emphasizing the importance of critical infrastructure projects such as the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the Sokoto-Badagry Expressway.
These projects aim to address challenges in rural areas, including transportation to consumer centers and irrigation farming for increased food production.
During the meeting, Mr. Diop informed President Tinubu of the IFC’s productive discussions with Nigerian partners to enhance agriculture, improve transport networks, and promote regional integration.
He expressed the IFC’s commitment to supporting the growth of agribusiness in Nigeria and announced a $23.3 million loan agreement with Johnvents Industries Limited to develop the cocoa sector.
The IFC Managing Director also expressed the Corporation’s readiness to collaborate with the Nigerian government on new investments in irrigation, road infrastructure, and airport logistics through a Public Private Partnership.
President Tinubu’s bold decisions to revamp Nigeria’s economy were commended by Mr. Diop, who congratulated him on his one year in office.
Overall, President Tinubu’s call for a shift in perception and increased investment in Africa sets the stage for a prosperous future, emphasizing the continent’s potential as a key player in global growth and development.
