Cardoso, Okonjo-Iweala Call for Stronger Reforms, Investment, Regional Integration to Drive Africa’s Growth
Cardoso, Okonjo-Iweala Call for Stronger Reforms, Investment, Regional Integration to Drive Africa’s Growth
Cardoso, Okonjo-Iweala Call for Stronger Reforms, Investment, Regional Integration to Drive Africa’s Growth
Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Olayemi Cardoso, and Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, have called for sustained economic reforms, increased investment, innovation and stronger regional cooperation to position Nigeria and Africa for sustainable and inclusive economic growth.
The two prominent economic leaders shared their views during a fireside dialogue at the 7th African Emerging Markets Forum (AEMF 2026), held at the Central Bank of Nigeria Headquarters in Abuja.
Governor Cardoso highlighted the progress made through the restoration of orthodox central banking practices, noting that the reforms have strengthened macroeconomic stability, improved transparency in the foreign exchange market and reinforced the resilience of Nigeria’s banking sector.
He said the reforms are also creating a stronger foundation for improved access to finance, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises, while stressing that consistency and discipline in implementing economic policies remain critical to achieving long-term stability.
Looking ahead, Cardoso urged African countries to transition from being primarily consumers of technology to becoming developers and producers of home-grown technological solutions.
He called for increased investment in reliable electricity, digital infrastructure, affordable connectivity and the development of a skilled, AI-ready youthful population. He also emphasised the importance of empowering women and deepening regional integration to unlock Africa’s economic potential.
On her part, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala identified effective leadership, sound implementation and stronger regional cooperation as key drivers of Africa’s economic transformation.
She urged African countries to sustain macroeconomic reforms, create more jobs for the continent’s growing youth population, attract investment through good governance and make better use of domestic resources.
The WTO Director-General also advocated the development of regional value chains that would enable African countries to process and add value to their abundant natural resources rather than exporting them in raw form.
The dialogue reinforced a shared vision of an innovative, competitive and resilient Africa, where sustained reforms, strategic investments, regional partnerships and purposeful leadership can translate the continent’s vast resources and youthful population into broad-based prosperity.
Cardoso, Okonjo-Iweala Call for Stronger Reforms, Investment, Regional Integration to Drive Africa’s Growth
