From Adanna Nnamani, Abuja
The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Olayemi Cardoso, and the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, are expected to lead discussions on Africa’s economic future at the 7th Africa Emerging Markets Forum scheduled to hold in Abuja from July 29 to 30.
The two-day forum, hosted by the CBN in collaboration with the Emerging Markets Forum (EMF) and the Centre for the Study of the Economies of Africa (CSEA), will bring together senior policymakers, central bankers, ministers, development partners, private sector leaders and economists to deliberate on strategies for strengthening Africa’s resilience amid growing global economic uncertainties.
Organisers said the event, themed “Building Resilience Amidst Geoeconomic Uncertainties,” will be headlined by a fireside dialogue between Cardoso and Okonjo-Iweala focusing on how African economies can sustain reforms, deepen regional integration and unlock long-term growth in an increasingly fragmented global economy.
The forum will also feature keynote addresses by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, and the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr Kingsley Udeh, highlighting the role of coordinated fiscal, monetary and innovation policies in driving Africa’s economic transformation.
Other notable participants expected at the event include the World Bank Group’s Chief Economist and Senior Vice President for Development Economics, Indermit Gill; the Founding Director and Chief Executive of the Emerging Markets Forum, Harinder Kohli; and the Vice-Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University, Prof. Adamu Ahmed, alongside senior government officials, academics, development partners and business leaders from across Africa and beyond.
Discussions will cover a broad range of issues affecting emerging markets, including macroeconomic stability, regional economic integration, cross-border payments, financial technology, infrastructure development, foreign direct investment, technology transfer and artificial intelligence.
Participants are also expected to examine the impact of food price volatility, inflation and monetary policy transmission on fragile and post-crisis economies, while exploring practical policy options to strengthen economic resilience across the continent.
According to the organisers, the forum is designed to promote dialogue on issues of strategic importance to emerging markets and developing economies while identifying policy solutions that can be adapted to the unique circumstances of individual countries.
They noted that the initiative reflects the shared commitment of the CBN and its partners to advancing evidence-based policymaking, strengthening regional cooperation and promoting innovative solutions that will enhance Africa’s resilience and support sustainable, inclusive economic growth.
(The Sun)