Notable leaders in Africa have emphasised the need for collaborations in order to enable progress for the continent and Africans.
The leaders spoke at the 2024 edition of the Africa Soft Power Summit in Kigali, Rwanda held from May 28th to 31st. The summit brought together prominent figures from across Africa and the diaspora under the theme, “Africa Now: Connecting Africa – Shaping the Global Social and Economic Priorities of Our Time.”
The array of esteemed speakers that graced the summit include: Dr. Joyce Banda, Former President of Malawi; Honourable Sandrine Umutoni, Minister of State for Youth & Arts, Rwanda; HRH Nnaemeka A. Achebe, Obi of Onitsha; Temi Popoola, CEO, Nigeria Exchange Limited; Uche Ofodile, CEO, MTN Benin; Nana Baffour, Co-Founder, NVH Studios and Executive Chairman, Enda; Michaella Rugwizangoga, Chief Tourism Officer, Rwanda Development Board; Gabby Asare Otchere-Darko, Executive Chairman & Founder of Africa Prosperity Network were among the array of esteemed speakers that graced the summit.
The summit featured a series of insightful sessions on topics including women’s leadership, artificial intelligence, tech policy, payments innovation, interoperability, connectivity and digital infrastructure.
The group managing director/chief executive officer of Nigeria Exchange Group, Temi Popoola spoke on the role of the private sector in advancing gender equality. He said, “At the NGX The NGY’s we are committed to advancing gender equality and we have solidly integrated this principle into our operational framework.”
While declaring the event open, Carol Abade, Group CEO EXP and Chair of Africa Soft Power, expressed her enthusiasm about the event’s essence. “The Africa Soft Power Project is committed to enabling progress for Africa and Africans. Leveraging the power of collaboration, we are determined to build structures, talents, and institutions that are long-lasting and impactful,” said Abade.
Former President of Malawi, Dr Joyce Banda, while delivering the keynote address disclosed that traditional rulers are significant stakeholders in the actualization of laudable outcomes for Africans. “When I was president, we were able to reduce maternal death by 32 per cent and the African Union gave us an award. But I don’t take that credit alone. The traditional leaders in my country are the ones who helped me change the mindset of people at the grassroots,” Banda said.
Speaking on the role of collaboration in advancing the African narrative, Nana Baffour Co-Founder, NVH Studios, and executive chairman, Enda, expressed his unwavering dedication to amplifying the voices of African talent and entrepreneurship, while elevating African brands on the global stage.
Gabby Asare Otchere-Darko, executive chairman, Africa Prosperity Network believes that achieving shared prosperity for Africa hinges upon the successful implementation of a single market economy, particularly in the next 5 to 10 years.
Nkiru Balonwu, founder and chief executive of Africa Soft Power, closed out the summit by reaffirming her unwavering commitment towards retelling the narrative about modern Africa on the world stage. “With the summit, we are ensuring that the continent is part of the wider global conversation around the key intersectional issues of our time. This gathering is more than a summit; it’s a testament to Africa’s growing global influence and innovative spirit”. Balonwu said.
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