Population growth in Africa is an opportunity, not a threat – Kagame

President Paul Kagame has urged leaders across the continent to invest more in young people. He explained that the growth of population across the African continent shouldn’t be seen as a threat but rather as an opportunity. The Head of State made the call yesterday while speaking at the on-going Africa 2018 Business for Africa and the World Conference. He spoke alongside President Abdel Fattah Al Sisi of Egypt and five young African entrepreneurs. Kagame said that as the current 1.2 billion population of the continent is set to more than double in the next three decades, leaders should work to provide a conducive environment for the people of Africa to achieve their potential. “When you talk about 2.5 billion people on our continent in 2050, it is not a threat. It is an opportunity, an advantage, a strength. ‘But that won’t just happen unless we make the right investments in our young people who have the advantage of age and strength and the skills that come with that but need facilitation for us to be where we want to be,” he said. The two-day Africa 2018 Forum in Egypt convened more than 1,000 leaders in business and policy from around the world. Kagame added that leaders have the responsibility to provide opportunities to the youth: “We have to provide the leadership and governance necessary for young people to be free, explore, express themselves and also give them the support they need materially, where that is required. But that is not always the problem, it doesn’t always start with money, but with ideas.” “We are not doing them a favor. In the end, it is our duty and responsibility. And when we do it, it enables this wider growth and development on our continent,” Kagame concluded. Africa 2018 is a unique business-to-business and government-to-business platform, bringing together policymakers, financiers, leading industrialists, and young entrepreneurs. The forum aims to promote greater economic integration and investment flows into Africa. This year’s edition of the event has taken place under the theme of “Bold Leadership and Collective Commitment: Advancing Intra-African Investments” and was organised by the Government of Egypt through its Ministry of Investment and International Cooperation, and COMESA Regional Investment Agency (RIA). editorial@newtimes.co.rw

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Population growth in Africa is an opportunity, not a threat – Kagame