At the 7th African Emerging Markets Forum (AEMF 2026) held at the Central Bank of Nigeria headquarters, Central Bank Governor Olayemi Cardoso and World Trade Organization Director‑General Dr. Ngozi Okonjo‑Iweala urged sustained reforms, targeted investment and stronger regional cooperation to position Nigeria and Africa for long‑term economic growth.
Governor Cardoso said a return to orthodox central‑banking practices has helped restore macroeconomic stability, improve transparency in the foreign‑exchange market and strengthen the banking sector, laying the groundwork for broader access to finance — especially for small and medium‑sized enterprises. He warned that discipline and consistency in implementing reforms remain essential to preserve these gains.
Looking ahead, Cardoso called on African governments and private investors to move beyond consuming technology to producing home‑grown solutions. He highlighted the need for reliable power, expanded digital infrastructure, affordable connectivity and investment in an “AI‑ready” workforce, while stressing the importance of unlocking women’s full economic participation and deepening regional integration.
Dr. Okonjo‑Iweala echoed those themes, saying Africa’s biggest opportunities rest on effective leadership, rigorous implementation and closer regional cooperation. She urged countries to deepen macroeconomic reforms, create jobs for a rapidly growing youth population, attract investment through sound governance, mobilise domestic resources and build regional value chains that add value to the continent’s abundant natural resources.
The leaders’ fireside dialogue at AEMF reinforced a common vision of an innovative, competitive and resilient Africa driven by sustained reforms and purposeful leadership, with the aim of expanding opportunities and realising the continent’s economic potential.
