2022 Event Highlights – Session Five – The Future of Africa
Event Highlights
The Future of Africa
Rwanda has emerged as a key investment destination in Africa. President Paul Kagame has led the nation to be one of the fastest growing and most influential on the continent. He is host to the commonwealth meeting of leaders this year, has been key in navigating the continent through the pandemic, and has made it easy for investors to do business. Yet, recent tensions with neighbors are threatening to destabilize the region.
Below are some highlights from the session.
In Conversation With President Kagame
On the persistent tensions between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, H.E. Paul Kagame, President of the Republic of Rwanda spoke frankly about the U.N. becoming part of the problem. “If you look at the rights of people,” he said. “fixing the problem is a simple matter.” He is optimistic about moving forward on an immigration deal with the UK, noting they’ve taken in more than 100,000 refugees. “Most Rwandans have experienced being a refugee at some point in their lives.”
On the potential for peace in Ukraine, “With everyone feeling obligated to take a side, who is left in the middle to steer things in the right direction?’
In Conversation With President Gnassingbé
H.E. Faure Gnassingbé, President of the Republic of Togo detailed the tiny west African nation’s two main challenges– the rising cost of living and security. Inflation is at 6%, far greater than the usual less than 2%. In crisis mode, Togo capped prices for fuel, wheat and corn, but it’s not sustainable. It costs $20 million every month, Gnassingbé said. A long-term strategy is in the works, including simple solutions, like substituting casaba flour for nearly half the wheat in bread and eliminating fuel needs by building electric bicycles, which are highly-accessible as pay-as-you-go.
News Coverage: Umuryango
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