President Bola Tinubu has called on Africa to act now, saying that the continent has what it takes to develop itself.

He said this in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates on Monday during a meeting with the Rwandan President, Paul Kagame.

The two leaders are in Abu Dhabi to attend the Sustainability Week held between January 12 and 18.

Tinubu is expected to use the summit to stress his administration?s reforms, including those related to energy sufficiency, transportation, public health and economic development.

In a post on his official X handle, @officialABAT, the president wrote, ?This evening, on the eve of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, I had meaningful conversations with Rwandan President Paul Kagame.

?Africa has what it takes to develop itself. We have the resources, the people, and the capacity. We must look inward to improve intra-African trade and collaboration to benefit the African people and the continent. The time for Africa is now.?

Earlier, the presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, said that Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, president of the United Arab Emirates, had invited Tinubu to attend the summit.

This evening, on the eve of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, I had meaningful conversations with Rwandan President Paul Kagame.

Africa has what it takes to develop itself. We have the resources, the people, and the capacity. We must look inward to improve intra-African trade and? pic.twitter.com/dh99pgXH9d

? Bola Ahmed Tinubu (@officialABAT) January 13, 2025

Tinubu arrived in Abu Dhabi on Sunday at the invitation of the President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

The Special Assistant to the President on Social Media, Dada Olusegun, announced Tinubu?s arrival in a post on his X page.

?President Bola Ahmed Tinubu arrives in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, where he is received by Sheikh Shakhboot Nahyan Al Nahyan, Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, UAE,? Olusegun wrote.

The summit, themed ?The Nexus of Next: Supercharging Sustainable Progress,? is scheduled to run from 12 to 18 January in Abu Dhabi. The event will bring together global leaders to accelerate sustainable development and advance socio-economic progress.

In Abu Dhabi, the President is expected to deliver a speech highlighting his administration?s key reforms, particularly in energy efficiency, transportation, public health, and economic development.

During the visit, Tinubu and his delegation are expected to hold discussions with UAE leadership to strengthen bilateral relations and explore opportunities for economic and diplomatic partnerships.

The forum aims to serve as a platform for policymakers, business leaders, and civil society representatives to discuss strategies for transitioning to a sustainable economy while fostering global prosperity.

The president was accompanied by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar; the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; and the Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje. (Channels TV)

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