Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Ambassador Olivier Nduhungirehe, has emphasized investment in infrastructure, human capital development, and strengthened intra-African trade as key drivers for building a sustainable and resilient African economy.
He made the remarks during the two-day Global Growth Conference 2026 held in Rabat, Morocco, from May 20 to 21, 2026.
The conference focused on strategies for building an African economy capable of withstanding global shocks and adapting to rapid economic and technological changes.
Nduhungirehe said Rwanda’s perspective is anchored on three core pillars that will shape Africa’s economic future: transformative infrastructure investment, skills development for citizens, and enhanced trade and cooperation among African states.
He stressed that infrastructure remains the backbone of economic transformation across the continent, warning that development cannot be achieved without it.
“Infrastructure is the foundation of modern economic development. No country can achieve strong industrial growth, compete globally, or significantly improve living standards without reliable energy, efficient transport systems, and modern infrastructure,” he said.
He noted that Africa’s infrastructure gap is not only a development constraint but also a major obstacle to global competitiveness.
The minister further highlighted electricity access as one of the continent’s most urgent challenges, while also describing it as a major opportunity for accelerated growth if properly addressed.
Beyond infrastructure, he called for greater investment in people, particularly young Africans, through practical skills development aligned with future labour market needs.
“The most valuable asset any country has is its people. We must equip our youth with the skills needed for the future economy, especially in vocational training, technology, engineering, innovation, and entrepreneurship,” he said.
Nduhungirehe also underscored that expanding intra-African trade and strengthening regional integration will be decisive in shaping the continent’s long-term prosperity.
He reaffirmed Rwanda’s commitment to working closely with other African countries and international partners to advance sustainable development, regional integration, and shared economic growth.
