WTO Director-General urges African leaders to look inward for funding opportunities

WTO Director-General Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has urged African leaders to explore internal funding avenues to boost the continent's socio-economic development.

Speaking at the Heads of State and Government breakfast dialogue in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, she highlighted the potential of value addition to natural resources, leveraging pension funds for patient capital, and innovative carbon pricing.

The event, themed “Africa at the forefront: Mobilising African Investment and Financing for Implementing Agenda 2063,” was hosted by President John Mahama during the AU Summit.

Dr. Okonjo-Iweala emphasized reducing dependency on borrowing and adopting innovative strategies to attract and sustain investments.

A high-level panel also discussed effective approaches to mobilize African finance for Agenda 2063 priorities, underscoring the importance of sustainable investment for the continent’s growth.