Africa’s Time Is Now: Tinubu and Kagame Talk Trade and Collaboration in Abu Dhabi

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Monday, shared his vision for Africa’s development during a key meeting with Rwandan President Paul Kagame in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE). Both leaders are attending the 2025 Sustainability Week, a major event focused on global sustainable development, which runs from January 12 to 18.

In his message shared via his official X (formerly Twitter) account, President Tinubu emphasized Africa’s potential to chart its own course towards prosperity. “Africa has what it takes to develop itself. We have the resources, the people, and the capacity. We must look inward to improve intra-African trade and collaboration to benefit the African people and the continent. The time for Africa is now,” he stated.

The two leaders are in Abu Dhabi to participate in the global summit, which has brought together leaders from around the world to discuss sustainable practices and strategies to accelerate socio-economic development. As part of the event, President Tinubu is expected to spotlight his administration’s ongoing reforms in energy, transportation, public health, and economic development.

Earlier in the day, it was revealed that President Tinubu’s participation in the summit was at the personal invitation of the UAE’s President, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Tinubu, who arrived in Abu Dhabi on Sunday, was warmly received by Sheikh Shakhboot Nahyan Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs. The summit, themed “The Nexus of Next: Supercharging Sustainable Progress,” is set to be a key platform for policymakers, business leaders, and civil society representatives to discuss the future of sustainable economies and how to drive global prosperity.

During the visit, President Tinubu and his delegation are expected to engage in discussions with UAE leadership to strengthen bilateral ties and explore new opportunities for economic and diplomatic partnerships between the two nations.

Accompanying the president on this important visit are the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar; Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; and the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje.