President Kagame was speaking to over 65 Heads of State and Government and top global executives for this year’s World Economic Forum [WEF] 2019 held in Davos, Switzerland, under the theme Globalization, “Shaping a Global Architecture in the Age of the Fourth Industrial Revolution”.
“This session is timely. The conditions have never been so favorable for Africa to take the lead in shaping its own global agenda. For too long, we ceded responsibility for Africa’s agenda to others, with some individuals even benefiting,” Kagame said, opening the Forum.
President Kagame further remarked that everyone benefits from a stronger, more united Africa, which is reflected in the more constructive tone of Africa’s partnerships with China, Europe, and others.
He cautioned that challenges relating to migration, security and climate change among others imply that there is no longer any actor who sees an advantage in an Africa that is institutionally weak and economically stagnant. However, he noted that at present, the pace and quality of integration in Africa were increasing noticeably, a very significant, according to the AU Chairman.
“Last year, for example, the African Continental Free Trade Agreement was adopted and it is likely to come into force this year. We also agreed on a timetable for the free movement of people and on the establishment of a single African air transport market.” President Kagame added.
The Head of the State, later on, participated in a session on digitalizing Emerging Markets with the AliBaba Group Executive Chairman, Jack Ma.
Last Year, in October, Alibaba Group and the government of Rwanda agreed to multiple bilateral initiatives, aiming to promote the African country’s economy through increased cross-border trade, capacity building, and tourism. A major tenet of the agreements was Rwanda’s admission to the eWTP, Electronic World Trade Platform, becoming the first eWTP Partner in Africa so far.
On why Rwanda signed up to the Platform, President Kagame said it was a special, exciting partnership that brings marginalized people in society to connect directly with the consumers.
“eWTP has democratized benefits. If you look at the number of people who will benefit; young entrepreneurs and farmers who are involved in coffee businesses, it is all inclusive.” He explained.
African leaders are currently showcasing the continent’s diverse opportunities to investors, business leaders and policymakers at the annual World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos.
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