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Sanwo-Olu tasks African leaders, others on harnessing continent’s investment potential

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has called on African leaders, policymakers, intellectuals and all Africans to think through the strategies that will deliver balanced and equitable development that leaves no one behind.

Governor Sanwo-Olu made the call at the CFA Institute Africa Investment Conference themed: “The Emergence of Africa: A Rethink or A Restrategizing?” held on Wednesday at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, noted that for so long, the African continent was marginalized in the global scheme of things and lagging behind on many measures of human development, but quickly observed that “the rest of the world is now paying Africa due attention.”

According to him, the emergence of Africa from its dark days is now an acknowledged reality, insisting that Africa was blessed with expansive natural resources, while its large and youthful population now provided both valuable human capital and huge markets.

Governor Sanwo-Olu emphasised that the state government had already commenced on this journey by leveraging the resilience of the people, embracing and deploying technology, and seeking to maximize the economic and demographic gifts of the city.

He stressed that his administration, through the T.H.E.M.E.S+ Governance Agenda, had prioritised investments in infrastructure and human capital, while implementing policy changes to diversify the economy and facilitate the ease of doing business.

Besides, the governor added that his administration, upon recognizing the importance of quality infrastructure for sustainable economic growth, had invested heavily in transformative projects, including transportation networks, energy infrastructure, and housing developments.

Sanwo-Olu asserted that the goal of his administration was to make Lagos State a thriving and successful one that would be beneficial not only to its residents, Nigerians but indeed every African, calling on investors to join his administration to build a future where Lagos stands as a beacon of success and a testament to the power of strategic investment.

“Lagos is not just a city on the map. It is a destination for prosperity, growth and innovation. So as you consider your investment options, I invite you to explore the multiple opportunities that Lagos presents. Together, let us build a future where Lagos stands as a beacon of success and a testament to the power of strategic investment,” Sanwo-Olu said.

Earlier in her remarks, the President/CEO, CFA Institute, Marg Franklin, a Canadian, reiterated that in the next five to ten years, digital transformation, a diverging world and sustainable finance will be factors that will immensely have impacts on the world’s investment.

Franklin also stressed the importance of education, as it has the potential to unlock opportunities, adding that the mission of the institute is to bring the highest standard of education, ethics and professionalism into Africa for the ultimate benefit of society.

President, CFA Society Nigeria, Ibukun Oyedeji, in her welcome address, noted that the conference marks a significant milestone in the collective pursuit of advancing investment opportunities that drive sustainable growth in Africa.

According to her, the conference has provided an opportunity for the African countries to unlock the immense potential that the continent holds, listing such potential to include a vibrant economy, rich resources, young and ambitious populations, among others.

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