Africa
Obi in Rwanda voluteers solutions to food insecurity, youth unemployment in Africa
The Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general election, Peter Obi has said that adequate investment in agriculture is a sure way of tackling food insecurity in Africa.
Speaking as a panellist at an international Conference on food security in Kigali, Rwandan capital on Friday, Obi said the hunger crisis in Africa can only be tamed effectively by giving adequate attention to agriculture.
“Reducing reliance on food imports will help ease the strain on our currency, steady exchange rates, and rein in inflationary pressures driven by high food costs
Writing on his X handle on Friday from Rwanda, Obi said “Today, I was one of the panellists at the Africa Food Systems Forum 2024 held in the Rwandan capital Kigali.
“At the session, I reiterated my long-held position that food insecurity in Africa is intrinsically linked to human insecurity.
“Using Nigeria as an example, I emphasized that solving food insecurity is a major path to general security in the country. By investing in agriculture and food-related productivity Nigeria will not only be addressing the hunger crisis but will also create huge job opportunities for the teeming unemployed population, especially the youths in their productive age.
“To further elucidate the untapped potential in our food production, Bangladesh, with approximately 148,000 square kilometres less than 1/6th of Nigeria’s about 923,768 square kilometres, produces 35-40 million tons of rice annually. In contrast, Nigeria produces only 3-4 million tons of rice, which is roughly 10% of Bangladesh’s rice production
“This disparity which is similar to the African situation highlights the untapped potential of Africa’s agricultural sector and underscores the need for investment.
“Food insecurity, if addressed properly in Africa, can be a catalyst for enhancing human security and promoting overall development. With significant investments in agriculture and food systems, we can create jobs, reduce poverty, and tackle hunger simultaneously.
“By focusing on sustainable agricultural practices and value-chain improvements, we cannot only ensure food security but also empower communities and promote economic growth, leading to a more prosperous and secure Africa. We must prioritize food security to unlock the continent’s potential and address the pressing issues of human insecurity.”
Former Governor of Anambra State and 2023 Labour Party Presidential Candidate, Peter Obi, has shared insights from his recent visit to Kigali, Rwanda, where he engaged in various discussions aimed at addressing Africa’s challenges, particularly in areas like productivity, leadership, and development.
Obi who made disclosure while writing on his X handle explained that his trip over the weekend involved several planned and spontaneous meetings with influential figures in the development sector.
He noted that the discussions spanned personal topics to critical issues like sports and food insecurity. A recurring theme in the conversations was the need for African countries, including Nigeria, to shift from a consumption-based economy to one driven by productivity.
Reflecting on his conversation with former Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn, Obi highlighted Ethiopia’s efforts to boost productivity after realizing that their output was significantly lower than that of China.
“They found that the Chinese produce 6-7 times more than Ethiopians, and they decided to take action. Today, Ethiopia’s average production is 60-70% of what the Chinese can do,” Desalegn recounted during their discussion.
One of the key moments of Obi’s visit was a meeting with Rwandan President Paul Kagame, a leader he greatly admires. Obi described Kagame as a model of effective leadership, committed to the prudent management of scarce resources and dedicated service to his people. Their conversation touched on the pressing needs for Africa to move forward and the importance of visionary leadership.
Obi also spoke at the Sherrie Silver Foundation’s “The Silver Gala,” where he observed the potential for Africa’s youth to drive the continent’s growth through innovation and entrepreneurship. “I saw a continent on the rise if only we could have the right leadership and invest in the entrepreneurial, innovative energy of our youths,” he said.
His time in Kigali reinforced his belief in a brighter future for both Nigeria and Africa. Obi remains optimistic that with the right leadership, Africa’s potential
The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun has reiterated the resilience of African economies and their commitment to achieving consistent growth to alleviate poverty across the continent.
Edun gave the indication at the opening ceremony of the African Caucus Meeting 2024 held in Abuja, Nigeria
Director of Information and Public Relations, Mohammed Manga in a statement quoted the minister who chaired the event, to have highlighted the critical need to identify strategic opportunities and align with investor interests to effectively deploy resources for economic advancement.
“African growth must be embedded in human capital,” HM Edun asserted, emphasizing the necessity of investing in people as Africa progresses toward a brighter future.
The theme of the event, “Facilitating Intra-African Trade: Catalyst for Sustainable Development in Africa,” was recognized as pivotal for accelerating the transformation of African nations.
The Minister expressed optimism about how this focus will contribute to sustainable growth and development.
The Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations Dr. Amina J. Mohammed has met with the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun, to discuss preparations for the forthcoming Africa Caucus 2024 with a view to boosting Intra-African Trade and Sustainable Growth
Director of Information and Public RelationsMohammed Manga in a statement indicated that the meeting, which was held at the Federal Ministry of Finance Headquarters, Abuja, was attended by the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu, Mr. Mohamed M. Malick Fall, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, and other senior officials.
The 2024 African Caucus Meeting themed: Facilitating Intra-African Trade: Catalyst for Sustainable Economic Growth in Africa is to take place in Abuja
The event which is to be hosted by the Federal Ministry of Finance, is aimed at addressing key sub-themes such as Strengthening Pan-African Payment Ecosystems, enhancing Connectivity and ensuring Energy Access.
The event will also advance Trade Facilitation within a Just and Equitable Transition framework, as well as encouraging and supporting the optimization of multilateral development banks in support of Africa’s collective agenda.
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