Kayode Tokede
The CFA Societies and key stakeholders have championed the collective pursuit of advancing investment opportunities and driving sustainable growth across countries in Africa.
The 2023 CFA Institute Africa Investment Conference is hosted by CFA Society Nigeria in collaboration with sister CFA Societies in Africa namely, CFA Society East Africa, CFA Society South Africa, CFA Society Ghana, and CFA Society Mauritius.
The two-day Africa Investment conference recently held in Lagos with theme. “The Emergence of Africa: A Rethink or a Re-Strategizing?” was to stimulate solutions-driven discourses and a call to action highlighting Africa’s value as a desired investment destination.
The Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by his Deputy, Mr. Femi Hamzat, said, “For so long, our continent was marginalized in the global scheme of things. For many measures of human development, our continent lags behind.”
He noted that the emergency of Africa is now an acknowledged reality to the world.
According to him, “We have a large youth population which provides good valuable human capital, and a huge market. With our expansive natural resources, the rest of the world is now paying the right attention that is due to Africa.”
The Director General, National Pension Commission, Aisha Dahir-Umar, who was represented by Zonal Head, South-West Zonal Office, Mr. Sola Adeseun, said the 2023 conference would serve as a crucial platform fostering dialogue, exchange of ideas, and collective contemplation on the future of Africa and its emergence at the global scale.
She added, “The theme prompts us to reflect on the journey thus far, access the current state of affairs, and deliberate on the strategic measures required for the continent to sustained growth and development.”
She noted that National Pension Commission acknowledged the critical role that the financial sector, particularly investment professionals and institutions such as CFA play in shaping the economy of the nation.
The President, CFA Institute, Marg Franklin in her speech stated that the allocated capital to Africa has the potential to unlock opportunities and benefit all societies.
Speaking earlier, the President, CFA Society Nigeria, Ibukun Oyedeji in her opening remarks said, the 2023 conference marks a significant milestone in its collective pursuit of advancing investment opportunities and driving sustainable growth across the African continent.
“As we gather here, we are joined by a diverse and dynamic group of professionals, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders who share a common vision: to unlock the immense potential that Africa holds, ”Oyedeji said.
