President Paul Kagame, on Sunday, April 28, said the world should invest with and in Africa given that it is a natural resource and human capital-endowed continent.
He made the remarks during the World Economic Forum’s opening plenary session on the “New Vision for Global Development” that discussed how to reignite the momentum of development and economic convergence.
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“We are seeing Africa, much as you may find problems here and there, Africa is coming together, Africa is moving forward. Different countries have decided to embrace the growth of the economy,” he said.
“This can’t be coming from nothing but the good efforts that Africans are putting in place. And therefore, the rest of the world must look at Africa as an important entity to develop affairs with its politics, economy.”
Kagame said that while all countries are affected by global shocks, sometimes disproportionately, it highlights the inclusiveness and collaboration that brings different entities of the world together.
He noted that hypocrisy must be called out whenever it is seen, adding that it is there because the issue of global north and south divides that could be easily and quickly solved, is not.
“Africa is the only continent that has a growing middle-class…the rest of the world has to see that this is an important place to invest with and invest in. Africa has to avoid any victim mentality and start raising ourselves to the level where we should be.”
In fact, Africa is a very important geographical part of the world, not only resources but the people, Kagame added.
“Being reasonable and seeing things for what they are and being upfront in fighting for the rights, therefore, narrowing the divide. Africa has an important place to be and a role to play.”
Given the history and Geography, the Head of State said that everything Rwanda has to deal with is complicated, however, he mentioned that the country decided to look at itself in the setting of a continent that has a lot to share.
“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.”
Kagame noted the importance of putting people at the center of everything which means investments in human capital, to develop it and find its space to contribute to their wellbeing and development. Investments in education, health and technology.
