Africa speaks
Unstoppable Africa: Igniting Transformation and Bold Collaborations
Unstoppable Africa Conference: Dr. Akinwuni Adesina and H.E. William Ruto (Image: Supplied)
Leaders from global business, investment, government, sports, and the arts gathered in New York on Thursday, 21st September to mark the commencement of “Unstoppable Africa”. The event by the Global Africa Business Initiative (GABI) seeks to elevate Africa’s prominence in the global economy and position the continent as the premier destination for business, trade, and investment.
The two-day event is co-convened by the United Nations Deputy Secretary General, Amina J. Mohamed and the Chairperson of the African Union H.E. Moussa Faki Mahamat on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. GABI, coordinated by the UN Global Compact, serves as a pivotal forum for Heads of State and Government, CEOs, investors, policymakers, industry experts, and U.N. leaders to discuss and strategize the way forward for Africa’s dynamic business landscape. “Unstoppable Africa” is a powerful affirmation of GABI’s unwavering commitment to redefining Africa’s economic narrative.
On day one, the flagship event attracted an impressive array of speakers and participants, including the Presidents of Ghana, H.E. Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, Kenya, H.E. William Samoe Ruto, Senegal, H.E Macky Sall Poland H.E Andrzej Duda and H.E Mia Mottley, Prime Minister of Barbados. In addition to government ministers, “Unstoppable Africa” welcomed a who’s who of renowned business titans such as Mo Ibrahim, the Sudanese-British businessman and philanthropist, Phumzile Langeni, Deputy Chairman of Imperial Logistics; Non-Executive Director of DP World Group, James Manyika, Senior Vice-President of Research, Technology and Society at Google-Alphabet, and Brad Smith, President of Microsoft among others. Senegalese artist Baaba Maal set the tone for the event with a captivating performance calling for peace and prosperity in Africa while actor Arsema Thomas engaged in an insightful interview conducted by the event’s host Folly Bah Thibault from Al Jazeera English.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres opened the two-day forum making a compelling call for the “delivery of justice” – a theme central to the continent’s sustainable development. The UN Secretary-General stated that “justice means reforming outdated, unfair and dysfunctional global financial systems and ensuring African representation at every multilateral table”.
H.E. Mia Mottley, Prime Minister of Barbados emphasized the difference between ambition and meaningful action, in the context of Africa. Recognizing the emerging unity and collaborative efforts across the continent, she highlighted the imperative for accelerated progress in Africa. Her message underscored the urgency for nations to move from plans to concrete actions that catalyze transformative change on the continent.
During a major event announcement, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), announced a transformative partnership with Google, creating a Centre of Excellence for coding in Africa.
Other announcements on the day included The Democratic Republic of Congo’s (DRC) commitment to positioning the country high-up in the batteries and electric vehicles value chains, unveiling a new 1,000-hectare space in Kolwezi, with special economic zone status. DRC’s Minister of Industry, H.E. Julien Paluku, appealed to global investors to join these initiatives in addressing climate change while advancing economic growth. the launch of Ghana’s Energy Blue Zone Initiative, heralding a major stride in the country’s energy transition and investment plans.
The “Unstoppable Africa” event promises to continue its momentum into the second day, where further thought-provoking discussions, innovative solutions, and collaborative endeavors are set to shape Africa’s role in the global economy. Leaders from various sectors, including business, government, and civil society, will come together to exchange ideas, forge partnerships, and chart a course toward a more prosperous and sustainable future for Africa and the world.
Africa speaks
Redefining the Disconnect in Strategic Communication between the Nigerian Government and the People
By Dr. Omolaraeni Olaosebikan
The relationship between the government and the governed is pivotal for the progress and growth of any society. When the government fails to effectively communicate its policies, programs, and initiatives to the citizens, it only deepens the distrust and disconnect between them.
Studies have shown that most African citizens don’t trust their leaders as the news of corruption allegations and other vices seem to be the order of the day. This is not different in Nigeria, a country regarded as the giant of Africa. The lack of trust in leadership can have far-reaching consequences, affecting the country’s socio-economic development and political stability. Addressing corruption and restoring faith in government institutions is crucial to building a better future for all Nigerians. Leaders need to demonstrate transparency, accountability, and integrity to regain the trust of their people and work towards a more prosperous and equitable society.
The lack of strategic communication in government activities across all levels in the country is a concerning issue. While funds are being released by ministries and agencies to support businesses and citizens, the intended beneficiaries are not effectively reached due to inadequate messaging. This communication gap creates opportunities for corrupt individuals and officials to exploit the situation for personal gain. Addressing this communication inefficiency is crucial to ensuring the effective and transparent distribution of resources to those in need, ultimately preventing misuse and corruption. A more coordinated and targeted approach to communication can help bridge this gap and ensure that government support reaches its intended recipients efficiently and fairly.
Unfortunately, due to economic challenges, some businesses have been forced to shut down, leading to a mass exodus of citizens, especially the youth, who are seeking better opportunities abroad. This phenomenon has been termed the ‘Japa syndrome’, as individuals are opting to leave their homeland in search of greener pastures. The increasing trend of young people leaving the country in pursuit of better prospects reflects the struggles and limitations faced by businesses and individuals within the local economy. It highlights the need for reforms and support to retain talent and foster growth within the community.
At every stage, Nigerian political leaders must take a cue from developed countries that many young individuals aspire to live in. By examining what sets these countries apart and makes them attractive to their citizens, Nigerian leaders can gain valuable insights. While direct comparisons may not always be relevant due to differing contexts, conducting a thorough study of successful practices in developed nations can serve as a guide for the Nigerian government in making informed decisions. Looking at what these countries have done right can provide a yardstick for measuring progress and implementing positive changes for the benefit of Nigerian society.
To renew the hope of the citizens and business community in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope’ mantra, strategic communication plays a pivotal role. It is crucial to bear in mind that the hallmark of good governance lies in maintaining an accountable, transparent, fair, and efficient system. By effectively communicating government initiatives, policies, and progress, trust and confidence can be fostered among the people and businesses. This transparent and open dialogue ensures that stakeholders are well-informed and engaged, promoting a sense of inclusivity and collaboration. Ultimately, strategic communication is instrumental in building a stronger foundation for a prosperous and sustainable future for all.
Fundamentally, strategic communication plays a crucial role in averting crises like riots or protests that may arise when new policies are introduced. Take, for instance, the tragic outcome of the #EndBadGovernance protest in some regions – it could have been prevented with effective communication strategies. Through strategic communication, governments can sway citizen opinions towards endorsing national objectives, fostering a closer relationship between the government and its people. In this way, a symbiotic connection is established, benefitting both parties involved.
Emphasizing the importance of strategic communication is essential, as the failure to do so has been a contributing factor to the rise of fake news and misinformation. Research shows that there is a lack of public knowledge about the government’s continuous endeavors, as they usually only announce their projects, plans, and achievements during specific occasions. President Tinubu’s speech at the 64th Independence Day festivities exemplifies this ongoing problem.
Citizens feel the government doesn’t value or see them as key stakeholders aside from election time. They feel that news disseminated is not completely true or has hidden facts. The Case of Dangote Refinery and Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited is an example. Aliko Dangote, Chief Executive Officer of Dangote Refinery, had to address the media before his concerns were addressed. It also shows that the government often waits for citizens’ outbursts before responding to critical issues.
Another issue is the lack of transparent communication regarding developments in the oil and gas sector, leaving citizens uninformed. An example of this is the Port Harcourt refinery in Rivers State, which has yet to start operations despite assurances from the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources and NNPC. This lack of clarity raises concerns about the government’s ability to deliver on its promises and effectively manage the oil and gas industry. Citizens deserve more transparency and accountability to understand the status of crucial projects like the Port Harcourt refinery and the overall state of the sector.
In another vein, citizens are always told to be patient by the government but are not told what to do to complement the government’s effort through effective communication campaigns. So, communicating ways citizens can mitigate the effects of climate change and natural disasters; and ways to support security agencies in reducing terrorism, kidnapping; and others could boost citizens’ engagement in contributing to nation-building. This includes the government being transparent in communicating its plans and programmes.
I am very certain that the governments of developed nations prioritize proactive communication with their citizens rather than waiting for crises to unfold. By fostering transparency and open dialogue, they have successfully garnered the trust of their people. This approach has cultivated a generation of patriotic individuals who are committed to safeguarding the integrity and stability of their nations at all costs. This proactive communication strategy not only ensures a sense of unity and shared responsibility but also lays the foundation for a strong bond between the government and its citizens, ultimately contributing to the overall well-being and prosperity of the country.
The key to success for government at all levels lies in prioritizing strategic communication. It is essential for them to take a proactive approach to communication rather than simply reacting to problems. It is time to shift focus away from propaganda and instead concentrate on transparent communication methods that encourage citizen participation. By collaborating closely with the citizens, Nigeria can reach its true potential and flourish. The political leaders must accentuate open, honest communication to establish trust and encourage collaboration between the government and the people in order to make Nigeria great.
Dr. Omolaraeni Olaosebikan is a strategic communications expert and the CEO of McEnies Global Communications, a leading strategic integrated marketing communications agency in Nigeria.
Africa speaks
African Leaders’ Call and Commit to Action on Foundational Learning in Africa
African leaders, the African Union, and Global development partners gathered in New York at the UN General Assembly today to showcase the transformational impact that prioritising foundational learning can have on the African continent. The World Bank estimates that the learning crisis will result in $21 trillion of lost productivity globally if urgent action is not taken. However, if addressed, ensuring that our children are learning can add $6.5 trillion of additional global value by 2030. The crisis is most acute, and the opportunity is greatest, in Africa, where nine out of ten children are not currently able to read with understanding or do basic math by the age of ten.
Opening the African Union and Global Partnership for Education Presidential meeting in New York, African Union Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki acknowledged the need for a long-term focus on education, calling for an annual education convening at the AU Mission during the United Nations General Assembly meetings. He said: “We must acknowledge that the formulation of annual themes is not enough, the journey is long and we need longer-term, innovative, and bold responses. We have unacceptable levels of education poverty at a time when more than 80% of our workforce in twenty years will be youth.”
Delivering a keynote speech, H.E. Prof Mohammed Belhocine, Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology and Innovation (ESTI) at the African Union reinforced the need for bold investments and called for an international effort to support Africa’s children and deliver global returns. He said: “Foundational learning is an enabler for Africa’s long-term development and the key to unlocking the potential of millions of African children who will be the changemakers of tomorrow. 9 out of 10 children in Africa cannot read or do basic math by the age of ten. This learning poverty undermines our collective efforts to achieve our Agenda 2063. The AU is committed to making foundational learning a key part of our agenda beyond 2024 and to tracking progress, providing support where needed, and continuing to advocate for comprehensive reforms.”
H.E. President Hakainde Hichelima of Zambia, an Association for the Development of Education in Africa (ADEA) continental champion for Foundational Learning said: “In 2050, at least one-third of all young people aged 15 to 24 years old will be born in Africa. At present, four in five children are unable to read and understand simple text by the age of ten. This is unacceptable and we must urgently prioritise investments in education. These skills are the building blocks for every child’s academic and other forms of success. Collectively, we must set clear milestones beyond the 2024 year of education and ensure that no child in Africa is left behind.”
Former President of Malawi, H.E. Dr Joyce Banda said: “A continental crisis requires a continental response. We need more Heads of State to become champions for Foundational Learning. We need accountability mechanisms, and a robust peer review process will help us hold ourselves accountable for the promises we make to our children.”
This is not just about education. Every goal we have set is dependent on achieving strong foundational learning. The prosperity we dream of will be built from the classroom, with a child learning to read and count. Let us commit today to make that dream a reality and unlock the potential of our continent.”
Former President of Tanzania and Chair of the Global Partnership for Education H.E. Jakaya Kikwete said: “We are the world’s youngest and fastest growing continent. By 2050 one in every four people will be an African. Our workforce will be bigger than China. We must equip them. If we fail to act we risk further disenfranchising them. A 1% improvement in learning outcomes can translate into a 7.2% improvement in economic growth. To unlock this potential we need focused investments. A relentless focus on learning, proper support for our educators, and strong partnerships.”
Moderating a panel of African Ministers of education implementing African-owned solutions to enhance learning outcomes, Dr. Obiageli Ezekwesili, Founder of Human Capital Africa asked Ministers to highlight the two most critical investments required to deliver results: “It’s clear from your contributions that African Ministers want innovative, evidence-based and targeted financing alongside the better and more effective and efficient use of existing resources. They are clear that this will enable the teacher training, support, and deployment required to help children learn, using proven and efficient pedagogical approaches that work at scale while ensuring we generate and utilise data to inform the pathway to better learning outcomes and enabling accountability at all levels.”
Speakers and leaders at the events in New York built on previous calls made by Human Capital Africa, the Association for the Development of Education in Africa (ADEA) at the February AU Summit, and former African Presidents at the AU Mid-Year Summit in Accra in July 2024. These calls urge Heads of Government, through the African Union, to take the following decisive steps to address the learning crisis.
- Declare that it is unacceptable that nine (9) out of ten (10) of our children are unable to read with understanding and do basic math by age 10.
- Acknowledge that the delivery of Agenda 2063 and its social, economic, and developmental objectives is deeply connected with learning outcomes.
- Recognise the transformative impact that foundational learning can have on continental productivity, empowering millions and driving economic growth.
- Collectively commit to all children reading with comprehension and doing basic mathematics by the age of ten by 2030.
- Take action to urgently implement cost-effective evidence-based solutions that can accelerate learning outcomes and be delivered within existing budget resources.
- Expand the active use of available tools that allow countries to measure learning outcomes early, consistently, and comparatively.
- Build a continental mechanism that allows countries, development partners, and citizens to hold each other accountable for learning outcomes and peer review progress
Africa speaks
African Philanthropist & Business Leader, Tony Elumelu Sets Out Africa’s Priorities for UNGA 2024
African philanthropist and business leader, Tony Elumelu, will make Africa’s transformative economic growth, youth employment, and energy transition central to the discussions at this year’s United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), taking place late September in New York.
Elumelu will call for urgent action in a series of engagements, including a roundtable discussion at the Clinton Global Initiative with former President of the United States, Bill Clinton, and at an event co-hosted by the World Food Programme (WFP) and the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF), led by WFP Executive Director, Cindy McCain.
Elumelu will bring his perspective both from extensive experience in building industry-leading businesses across the continent, and the success of the Tony Elumelu Foundation‘s catalytic programmes empowering young Africans. Elumelu is a realist, challenging Africa and Africans to solve their problems, bringing African solutions, but also recognizing Africa’s responsibility to act.
As Chairman of United Bank for Africa (UBA) Group and pan-African investment company, Heirs Holdings, as well as Founder of the Tony Elumelu Foundation, Elumelu is a leading driver of Africa’s transformation agenda, helping shape the continent’s narrative on the global stage. His thought leadership and advocacy challenge conventional views, offering innovative strategies for collaboration and growth. The success of his Foundation in promoting youth entrepreneurship as a pathway out of poverty, has featured in case studies from Harvard, Chicago Business School, Stanford and Cambridge.
With over 60% of Africans lacking access to electricity and young people making up more than 60% of the continent’s 1.3 billion population, Africa faces challenges that impact the world. Africa, most recently with tragic floods in West Africa, is suffering climate driven environmental crises, caused by global emissions, whilst Africa’s development is held back by huge infrastructure deficits.
In a recent statement, Elumelu emphasised, “I have often said that there is nowhere else in the world you can reap the kind of investments as in Africa. However, I am acutely aware of the fundamental challenges our continent faces. Addressing the issues of sustainable economic growth, youth unemployment, gender inequality, and Africa’s energy transition is critical not only for meeting the continent’s basic developmental needs, but also for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and unlocking the immense economic potential that Africa offers.”
An economist and visionary entrepreneur, Elumelu’s economic philosophy of Africapitalism, serves as a blueprint for accelerating Africa’s economic transformation, advocating for the private sector to take the lead in delivering social and economic wealth, and shared prosperity for all.
Alongside Elumelu’s advocacy, the United Bank for Africa, which he chairs, will host a networking gala on the sidelines of UNGA – a platform to spotlight investment opportunities on the continent. The Gala will convene prominent leaders across four continents, in commemoration of UBA Group’s 75th anniversary and the Group’s 40 years of operations in the United States.