Tinubu Arrives in Kigali for Africa CEO Forum, Set to Discuss Nigeria’s Reform Agenda

President Bola Tinubu arrived in Kigali, Rwanda, on Wednesday for the 13th Africa CEO Forum, which begins Thursday, May 14. The forum brings together business and policy leaders from across Africa to promote regional integration and cross-border investment for economic transformation.

At Kigali International Airport, Tinubu was welcomed by Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Ojukwu, and Rwanda’s Minister of Defence, Juvenal Marizamunda.

Other dignitaries included Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole; Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, Ambassador Mohammed Mohammed; Nigerian Chargé d’Affaires in Rwanda, Ambassador Ibrahim Zanna; and Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, Chief Sunday Dare.

Founded in 2012 by Jeune Afrique Media and co-hosted by the International Finance Corporation, the Africa CEO Forum is the continent’s largest annual gathering for private sector leaders, investors, and policymakers. It provides a platform to address Africa’s economic challenges and opportunities, with a focus on regional integration, shared growth, and cross-border investment.

This year’s theme, “The Scale Imperative: Why Africa Must Embrace Shared Ownership,” highlights the need for collective action to address economic challenges.

President Tinubu will deliver a keynote address, “Holding the Line: Nigeria’s Reform Bet in a Fractured World,” where he will outline Nigeria’s economic reform progress and emphasise the importance of sustaining these efforts amid global uncertainties.

In addition to his address, President Tinubu will hold bilateral meetings with leading business executives from Africa and beyond. These meetings aim to strengthen Nigeria’s economic ties and attract investment in key sectors.

During the forum, the President will reaffirm Nigeria’s commitment to African unity, regional economic cooperation, and private-sector-led sustainable development, emphasising the importance of strategic partnerships. The Africa CEO Forum provides an opportunity for Tinubu to strengthen Nigeria’s role in Africa’s economic future.