Africa at centre of world’s next phase of growth – Musalia Mudavadi
Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Musalia Mudavadi has underscored Africa’s growing global significance during a panel discussion on “Africa Rising: Pathways, Partnerships and Priorities.”
Speaking during the discussion, the Prime Cabinet Secretary emphasised the importance of targeted investments in research, agribusiness, technology, and trade as critical pillars for accelerating Africa’s transformation.
He noted that the continent stands at the centre of the world’s next phase of economic growth, with vast untapped potential and emerging opportunities that can reshape the global development landscape if strategically harnessed.
He observed that strengthening these sectors will not only enhance productivity and innovation across the continent but also position Africa as a competitive and resilient player in the global economy.
Mudavadi further highlighted Africa’s demographic advantage, noting that with the world’s youngest and fastest-growing population, the continent’s youth represent its greatest asset.
He pointed out that Kenya continues to prioritise youth empowerment through initiatives such as the NYOTA Project, Ajira Digital Programme, the Youth Enterprise Development Fund, and the Uwezo Fund, which are designed to nurture entrepreneurship, build digital skills, and create meaningful employment opportunities for young people.
The Prime Cabinet Secretary also drew attention to Africa’s abundant natural resources, stressing the urgent need to shift from raw commodity exports to value addition, industrialisation, and stronger capital markets.
He noted that frameworks such as the African Mining Vision, alongside innovative financing mechanisms including public-private partnerships, green bonds, and blended finance, offer practical pathways for mobilising the resources required to drive sustainable development across the continent.
Mudavadi concluded by emphasising that Africa’s future lies in confident and mutually beneficial partnerships anchored on trade, investment, innovation, and shared prosperity.
By strengthening collaboration with global partners while harnessing its own strengths, he noted, Africa is well positioned to emerge as a dynamic and reliable engine of global progress in the decades ahead.
