Economy growth: Expert urges partnership among African leaders

The Executive Director of Panel 54, a Pan-Africa podcast, Martin Minns, has called for stronger collaboration among African leaders, policymakers, financiers and businesses to accelerate trade within Africa, unlock the continent’s economic potential and explore strategic partnerships with other nations of the world to boost their economies.

He spoke during an interaction on Wednesday in Uyo, while reviewing Africa’s economic status, particularly assessing France’s new direction in the continent following the Africa Forward Summit 2026 hosted by Kenya in Nairobi.

Minns said the summit, co-hosted by the presidents of Kenya and France, marked the official start of France’s pivot from the francophone regions it has long been associated with, towards Anglophone East Africa.

He said, “France came to the summit seeking about 250 deals and agreements with East African trade partners, with President Emmanuel Macron committing E1bn in investment.

It is therefore important for African leaders to explore strategic partnerships with other nations of the world to boost their economies, stabilise growth and fuel development.”

• Can Africa finance itself?
• I’ve lived in my current home for 36 years — Dangote
• Language, free movement key to Africa’s economic future

He described the development as a landmark moment in European-African relations, noting that since 1973, the Africa Forward Summit had been held solely in francophone nations previously colonised by France.

“The Africa that France finds itself dealing with now is a different place from when it began its long exit from the continent, culminating finally in its departure from Mali,” Minns said.

Minns said Africa stands to benefit greatly from a reimagined partnership with a European financial giant, adding that deep collaboration with other nations will boost economy and stabilise development schemes.

He charged leaders and policymakers to utilise the strategic and commercial opportunities Africa offers to reposition the continent, describing it as a huge vote of confidence for investors.

“Not everyone will welcome the move. But the economic resources France could bring to bear are considerable, it is a strategic push to become a core partner to East Africa with huge vote of confidence for investors”, he said.