The 13th International Economic Forum on Africa kicked off Monday in Paris, France, with the Ivorian Prime Minister, Daniel Kablan Duncan, and several African political and economic figures in attendance, PANA reported here.
Held under the theme: “Harnessing Africa’s natural resources to transform its economy”, the meeting started with a round table on Africa’s place in the new global economy landscape which the head of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Donald Kaberuka, chaired.
The other issues to be tackled included “the future of the energetic resources in Africa” and “structural transformation for a better integration in the regional and global value channels”.
Speaking on growth, natural resources and the diversification of Africa’s economy, the Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria, Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, urged African countries to negotiate economic partnerships taking cognizance of their interests.
“One of our main weaknesses when negotiating with our partners is the fact that our delegates often do not fully understand the real issues at stake. Most of them — politicians — will sign partnerships not favouring the continent,” Sanusi lamented.
The Forum, organized by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OCDE), is held each year in Paris for stakeholders committed to Africa’s development.
