Tijani: Africa Must See Global Inflation, Environmental Crises as Opportunities

Agnes Ekebuike

Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, has emphasised the need for Africans to see global challenges in the areas of inflation, environmental crises and geopolitical tensions as opportunities to grow the African economy.

The minister who said this while presenting his keynote address during the RMB Nigeria Think Summit 2024, which held at the Landmark Event Centre in Lagos recently, highlighted the various global challenges, such as inflation, environmental crises, and geopolitical tensions, but framed them as opportunities for Africa to rise to the top. He stressed the importance of leveraging Africa’s youthful population by prioritising digital skills and up-skilling efforts to make the continent competitive on the global stage.

“We must realise that the future workforce lies in Africa, but it’s essential to ensure that our people have the digital skill set required to thrive. Many countries are aging, and Africa’s youthful population presents a unique opportunity to fill that gap,” Tijani said.

He added that technology and connectivity would be pivotal in ensuring that Africa remains productive and competitive, emphasising the ongoing investments in fiber optic infrastructure to boost digital access.
Tijani stressed the need for leadership as a critical take-away from the summit, and urged both public and private sectors to assume responsibility in driving change, noting that leadership extends beyond political offices and must be a focus in all sectors of society.

The RMB Nigeria Think Summit 2024, themed: ‘Future Reimagined’, brought together industry leaders and key stakeholders to explore the future of business, technology, and society. The event, which originated in South Africa in 2011, has now expanded its reach to Nigeria and West Africa, providing a platform for critical conversations about how the continent can position itself in a rapidly changing world.

CEO of RMB Nigeria, Bayo Ajayi, spoke on the significance of the theme, emphasising that the summit goes beyond financial matters to cover broader societal challenges. He noted that ‘thinking’ about the future is crucial as globalization and disruptions in various sectors reshape the world. Ajayi urged attendees to reflect on how they can adapt to these changes and position themselves for success.

“With everything happening globally, it’s important not just to think about the present but to start preparing for the future. Whether in business or personal growth, it’s crucial to remain relevant by making small, meaningful changes today that will impact tomorrow,” Ajayi stated.
He underscored the importance of not only financial institutions but also diverse sectors contributing to shaping a future-ready society.

The summit emphasised the need for continuous dialogue on the future, with Ajayi and Tijani both affirming that platforms like the RMB Think Summit are essential for sparking critical conversations that will shape Africa’s trajectory in an increasingly interconnected world.